Happy Saint Norbert Day!

June 6th is usually remembered in the United States as the anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Europe during the Second World War. However the date usually has a more important meaning for me, it is the feast day of Saint Norbert. Having experienced the Norbertine influence as a high school student, and during my seminary years (they staff my home parish of Saint Gabriel in Philadelphia) the qualities of the community have greatly influenced my perception of life and faith.
The Canons Regular of Premontre, (O.Praem) have a long history within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The former Southeast Catholic, Bishop Neumann, Saint John Neumann High School was staffed by this community throughout its existence. Many students from this high school remember the familiar Norbertine Fathers from DePere, Wisconsin that taught for decades and were a central part of life in South Philadelphia. Often these priests glided through the halls of the high school or throughout the neighborhoods in their distinctive white habits. In Philadelphia, the community still staffs Saint Gabriel and Saint Edmund Parishes.
What most people never quite realize is that the Norbertine community is one of the most ancient orders in the Church. Founded by Saint Norbert in 1120. Saint Norbert was later the Archbishop of Magdeberg, Germany. The community follows the Rule of Saint Augustine with modifications added by Saint Norbert. Saint Norbert was a friend of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux and the Norbertine community was greatly influenced by Cistercian ideals of life and community government. From the earliest days of the community, they have been involved in the works of preaching, pastoral ministry and education.
The Premonstratensians are also the first community in the Church to have a branch of their community that is devoted to a lay ministry. The Third Order of the Premonstratensians is a lay order that incorporates the precepts of Saint Norbert and the Augustinian rule into a ministry for laypersons. They life and work in the secular community, but are professed to live the Norbertine manner of community prayer and pastoral service. The local Abbey of the Norbertines is Daylesford Abbey in Paoli, Pa.
Today the Norbertine Community spreads around the world but on a local level in addition to pastoral responsibilities, they staff Archmere Academy in Wilmington, Delaware, provide hospital ministry at Mercy Catholic Medical Center and offer educational and spiritual exercises at Daylesford Abbey.
One aspect of the Order that is usually not known is their great devotion to the Eucharist. The importance of the Sacrament of the Eucharist and it’s proper celebration is so important that they have their own Norbertine Rite for the celebration of Mass. In addition to this rite, the Norbertine Fathers are known for their unique form of Gregorian Chant during the praying of the Liturgy of the Hours.
Of course as a Bishop Neumann High School graduate, I am uniquely indebted because they provided me with a great religious education in terms of theology and example. Many Norbertine Fathers were greatly influential in my personal and academic life. Thank you for a great example of religious community and Catholic lifestyle.
Happy Feast of Saint Norbert Day! The Norbertine Community continues the vision of Saint Norbert into the 21st century.
Thanks as well to Tony Visco for his work above, Saint Norbert introducing the risen Christ, which is at Daylesford Abbey in Paoli. The photo is reproduced with his permission as well.