History

St Norbert was born in Xanten, Germany, in 1080 AD. He was the third son of a wealthy family closely related to Emperor Henry V.

A brilliant student, Norbert spent much of his early life enjoying the pleasures of the Imperial Court. Through his family’s influence, he received a financial subsidy from the parish church at Xanten when he was ordained to the subdiaconate. At that time, Church affairs were strongly influenced by wealthy nobles who also formed the government. Norbert gradually came to realise that for the effective preaching of the Gospel, the Church needed to be independent of worldly influence.

Over time, Norbert was filled with a burning desire to make Christ known. He turned away from his former lifestyle and devoted all he had and all he was to God’s service, embracing a life of prayer and penance. He was later ordained a priest.

Through his ministry of preaching, Norbert was sought out by bishops to assist in the reform of the clergy, helping them become more faithful and effective ministers. Although his reform efforts often met resistance from local clergy, his preaching attracted followers.

Together with these companions, Norbert withdrew to the valley of Prémontré, where the first Norbertine (Prémonstratensian) community was founded. This small group committed themselves to community life, poverty, obedience, celibacy, and active priestly service—ideals that Norbertine communities continue to profess today. In 1120, Norbert’s first followers received the white habit of the Order.

For a rule of life, Norbert chose the Rule of Augustine and formed a community that was monastic in its common life and at the same time apostolic and evangelical in its active ministry. This way of life became known as Canonical life.

Norbert gained a reputation as a skilful and inspiring preacher and a man of peace, deeply attentive to the needs of the people. The Order grew rapidly, and within 30 years there were 100 Norbertine abbeys throughout Europe. Norbert died in 1134, leaving behind a lasting example of priests living in community and dedicated to ministry—a model that continues to shape Norbertine life.

St Norbert was a great devotee of the Eucharist and Our Lady. In all his work as peacemaker and preacher, he kept these two central devotions of the Church at the heart of his ministry.

By 1260, the Order had become established in Ireland. However, through the French Revolution the Order declined in Europe, and the Protestant Reformation nearly destroyed it in Ireland.

Tongerlo Abbey in Belgium was founded during St Norbert’s lifetime. From this abbey, in 1924, Norbertines re-established Holy Trinity Abbey, Kilnacrott, Ireland.

Today, Norbertine Canons serve in Europe, the United States, Canada, South America, Zaire, South Africa, India, and Australia, engaging in education, parochial ministry, university chaplaincy, and youth work.

Norbertines draw strength from their shared life of common prayer, table, chapter, and recreation, enabling them to work among God’s people in building up the community of the Church.

It was once said of St Norbert that he was “prepared for every good work.”

In 1959, three Norbertines from Holy Trinity Abbey, Kilnacrott made a foundation in Western Australia.

In 1995, the Norbertine Canons at Queens Park became an independent community of the Norbertine Order, marking the final step in becoming a fully-fledged Canonry. On that day, the community elected its first Prior de Regimine, Fr Peter Joseph Stiglich, O Praem.