Saint of the Day

01 · Read · A life to discover

St. Norbert of Xanten

Norbert of Xanten was a preacher, religious founder, and archbishop who helped renew community life among clergy in medieval Europe. His followers became the Premonstratensians, also known as Norbertines, whose vocation combines common prayer with pastoral service.

He initially held a canonry at Xanten and served in aristocratic and imperial circles. A traditional account describes a violent storm as the turning point in his conversion. He subsequently abandoned courtly advancement, sought spiritual guidance, and embraced priestly ministry and a demanding penitential life.

After traveling as a preacher, Norbert gathered companions at Prémontré in France. Their small settlement grew into a religious community, and other foundations followed. Papal confirmation in 1126 helped establish the order as a lasting institution rather than a movement dependent only on one itinerant preacher.

As archbishop of Magdeburg, Norbert confronted the misuse of church property and resistance to clerical reform. He also became involved in the disputed papal succession of his time. He died in 1134, and his feast is June 6. His biography joins personal conversion with the less dramatic but enduring work of building communities, reforming institutions, and carrying pastoral responsibility.

This saint is included on this recurring date in the U.S. Roman Rite calendar published by the USCCB. This reading guide gives U.S. calendar saints priority; the Mass celebrated on a particular year’s date can differ because of Sundays, seasons or higher-ranking celebrations.