June 6th - St. Norbert By: Elizabeth Issac

Saint Norbert was born circa 1075 in Xanten, Germany, and was educated in the Electorate of Cologne in Xanten. He came from a family of high nobility and obtained financial subsidy due to his family's influence. He avoided ordination to priesthood and even declined an appointment as a Bishop of Cambrai in 1113. One day in the spring of 1115, as he rode his horse to Vreden, he was caught in a sudden storm and a thunderbolt struck at the horse's feet. He got thrown off and was unconscious for nearly an hour. The incident had deepened his faith, and soon after, he renounced his appointment at the Court and returned to Xanten to lead a life of penance. In gratitude, Norbert founded the Abbey of Furstenberg and handed it over to Cono. Eventually, he was appointed the archbishop of Magdeburg in central Germany by Pope Honorius II and continued to work for the church until his death on June 6, 1134. Norbert was canonized by Pope Gregory XIII in the year 1582, and his statue appears above the Piazza colonnade of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. He is the patron saint of Magdeberg and Kingdom of Bohemia.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

God, through the intercession of Saint Norbert, please help us lead a life of goodness and fidelity. Amen.