Norbertines came to the United States in the 1890's and ultimately settled in the vicinity of Green Bay, Wisconsin. They established a number of radio stations, a TV station, a College (St. Norbert College) and high schools. They eventually became an Abbey, and in the late 50's built the beautiful St. Norbert Abbey complex in DePere, Wisconsin.
In the early 1930's St. Norbert Abbey in Wisconsin wanted to build a foundation, and school on the east coast. In 1932 this was done with the purchase of property from Mr. John Raskob in Claymont, Delaware. This became the residence of the Norbertine Priests who would begin a college preparatory school on the same premises which was "Archmere Academy." A few years later the Archdiocese of Philadelphia requested a religious Community help (becoming Administrators of the School) in establishing a new Diocesan High School for boys, "Southeast Catholic High School" which has evolved into "St. John Neumann High School." With these two east coast foundations came many Vocations to the Priesthood and Brotherhood.
In the late 1950's there where so many Norbertines living on the east coast, a Novitiate House was begun in Daylesford, Pennsylvania, on the old "Cassatt" estate and as was the Norbertine custom it took its name from the place it was established - Daylesford Priory. In the early 60's that property was sold and about 120 acres bought in Paoli just about a mile and a half away. A large Abbey and seminary was erected in Paoli which to this day is known as Daylesford Abbey. Also in the early 60's those living on the east coast became a separate and Independent Abbey and completely autonomous.
In the mid 1990's Daylesford Abbey again decided to become two separate and independent and autonomous Priories. Daylesford Abbey, became Daylesford Priory and elected a Prior to govern it, and Immaculate Conception Priory, after many years became what it was intended to become from the very beginning of its existence, an Independent Priory.
Immaculate Conception Priory is now the central headquarters for the Norbertines of Delaware. From this Priory we have men working in the Archdioceses of Philadelphia,Washington DC, Baltimore, and the Dioceses of Wilmington, Harrisburg,and South Bend Indiana. The Norbertine Community of ImmaculateConception Priory is involved with Chaplaincies, Education and Parish Ministries.
Our Back Door . . .
(actually, our back porch, looking out toward the Delaware River!)
