Norbert of Xanten

Saint Norbert of Xanten was born around 1080 in the region of Xanten in present-day Germany. In his youth he enjoyed a comfortable, worldly life, even after being ordained a subdeacon, and he resisted deeper commitments that would curb his freedom. God’s mercy broke through dramatically when Norbert was thrown from his horse during a violent storm; shaken awake, he returned to Xanten and embraced a life of penance and prayer. Ordained a priest, he renounced his wealth, gave to the poor, and—sent by the pope—became an itinerant preacher across parts of Germany, the Low Countries, and France, calling clergy and laity back to fidelity. At the Church’s request he founded the Canons Regular of Prémontré on Christmas Day 1120, the Premonstratensians (Norbertines), uniting apostolic ministry with an ascetic, contemplative heart. Appointed Archbishop of Magdeburg, he labored to reform his diocese, defend the Church, and uphold the true faith amid division. He died on June 6, 1134, and is honored as patron of peace, safe childbirth, pregnant women, and the Norbertines. His feast day is June 6.