Novena in Honour of St. Norbert - Day 5

St. Norbert and His OrderIn the year 1121, St Norbert laid the foundations of his new religious Order; the Canons Regular of the Prémontré. The new monastery quickly became known for its austerity of life, for its poverty, for its intense liturgical prayer life and for its complete fidelity to the ideal of community as depicted in the Augustinian rule. As the monastery grew, St Norbert continued his life of preaching and attracted many men and women to his new Order. St. Norbert and his followers all had a deep and unswerving faith in the Sacrifice of the Mass and showed great love and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Armed with this, they fearlessly preached against the errors of the day and brought about a great spiritual renewal among thousands of people.

"You are my Order. Just as bishops have their canons delegated to offer public prayer in their diocese, in the same way you are my canons, not just for one diocese, but for the universal Church.” - Pope Pius XI

Five particular hallmarks have been identified as the characteristics of the life of our Order; the praise of God through the singing of the Divine Office, worship of God in the Blessed Sacrament, devotion to Our Lady, the life of penance and a zeal for souls. As Canons Regular of Prémontré we strive to bring all people closer to their Saviour by means of these works.Let us pray then for our Order, for our Abbot General and for Canons Regular of Prémontré that we may ever be faithful to the spirit of Our Holy Fathers Augustine and Norbert and be, like them, prepared for every good work.V) Pray for us, O Holy Father Norbert, R) That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray, Awake O Lord, in Thy Church the Spirit by Whom St. Norbert, Thy Confessor and Bishop, was guided in order that, filled with the same Spirit, we may love what he loved, and live as he taught us. Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.