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The History of St. Norbert
by J.C. Kirkfleet, O. Praem.; 1916, B. Herder, London
Ardeat ut Superis intus mens ardua flammis,
Corpus salvifico fulminis igne cadit.
Lo! the lightning flash is falling
And the voice that will not cease
Speaks in accents, richly calling:
"Turn to Me and seek for peace."
During the summer of the year 1115 [A-2-1], Norbert, bent upon pleasure, was on his way to a village called Freden, situated a few miles from Xanten. He was riding a fiery steed richly caparisoned; his servant rode at his side. It was a beautiful summer day, and his silk cloak and costly ornaments glittered in the bright sunshine as he sped through the rich meadows. Suddenly the heavens darkened; a violent wind arose, and the next moment thunder and lightning followed each other in rapid succession. The rain fell in torrents, and unfortunately the nearest place of shelter was a good distance away. Norbert, though trembling with fear, insisted on continuing his journey. His servant, however, less courageous, stopped and exclaimed: "Sir Norbert, whither art thou going, Come back, for the hand of God is against thee!" Hardly had he spoken these words, when with a loud clap of thunder, a flash of lightning tore up the earth at the very feet of Norbert's horse. The horse fell and threw its rider, who lay for a long time like one dead. When he regained consciousness, the last words his page had spoken, "The hand of God is against thee," were still ringing in his ears and were to him like a message from heaven. A most vivid picture of his past life flashed at that moment before his mind. Realizing the great danger he had just escaped, and thoroughly frightened at the condition of his soul, Norbert exclaimed with the Apostle: "Lord, what wilt Thou that I do?" At the same moment a voice from heaven sounded in his ear, saying: "Turn away from evil and do good. Seek after peace and pursue it." [A-2-2]. This was the turning point in Norbert's life. Humbled while in the full pursuit of pleasure, he became on the spot a sincere penitent.
Protinus ad sacras Tyro volat impiger aedes,
Deserit et lubricum, quod male trivit, iter. [A-2-3]
Norbert returned to Xanten and forthwith renounced all his appointments at Court. He locked himself in a room and there, prostrated before the Crucifix, shed an abundance of tears. This same room, where Norbert for three long years practiced the severest penances in expiation for his sins, is still pointed out to the visitor in the old chapel of St. Denis. Every year numerous pilgrims visit the place around which for eight hundred years the most authentic souvenirs of our Saint have centered. [A-2-4]
We may now picture Norbert alone with God. In solitude he began to realize the greatness of the event which a few hours before had taken place on the road to Freden; and, reflecting on the consequences of his sudden resolution to renounce all his court appointments, happiness filled his soul. Oh! how sincerely he must have thanked God for sending him this warning! The gifts which God so lavishly had bestowed upon him—his talents and scholarly education—his constant dealings with the great men of the age—all had predestined him to exercise immense influence. Until now he had served only the world and offered his talents to the idol of vanity. Almighty God, in His inscrutable wisdom, had allowed all this for reasons best known to Himself; but now His hour had come.
After spending days and nights in tears and prayers, asking God for guidance and strength in his good resolutions, Norbert calmly began to make plans for the future. He did not, as many of us would expect, lay aside his silks and costly adornments; but under them he began to wear a rough garment of hair-cloth, his penitential garment, as he called it, and from this time never passed a day without it. His reason for this was, no doubt, that he might still be able to associate with his former companions and bring them also back to God. This will become more clear in the study of his later life.
The sudden conversion of Norbert has been truly compared by all his biographers to the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Certainly no one can fail to see the striking resemblance. The road to Freden was for Norbert what the road to Damascus was for Saul. The same words sounded in the ears of both, and while the Holy Spirit led Saul to Ananias for further instruction and direction, Norbert, as we shall see presently, was led by Providence to the school of a monk, well-known for deep learning and piety.
At a distance of about five miles from Cologne, on the other side of the Rhine, there was in those days the celebrated Benedictine Abbey of Siburg, founded by St. Annon, in 1066. Since the year 1105 it had been under the able management of a very distinguished and saintly abbot, by the name of Conon. He was known all over Germany, and it was chiefly through his personality that the abbey was considered at the time the center of religious life. If the common saying be true, that a saint is needed to form another saint, Norbert, in going to Abbot Conon, undoubtedly went to the right school. The very first thing Norbert did upon his arrival, was to unburden his heart by a sincere and humble confession. Tears flowed freely while he related the whole story of his former life to his spiritual father; but the good and wise abbot greatly encouraged him, and spoke to him of the mercy of God. He advised him to spend some time in complete retirement from the world, meditating and studying the Scriptures, and meanwhile praying that the Almighty with all confidence and fervor complete in him the good work He had begun. Norbert followed this advice to the letter. He stayed for some time in the monastery, and although he did not join the Benedictine Order, he at once began to lead their life and to spend his days in solitude.
From our own knowledge of human nature we can easily infer how great was Norbert's struggle in this solitude. The chief obstacle to the carrying out of a good resolution is the reaction, which almost invariably comes after we have been touched by extraordinary graces. Satan and his helpmates did their very best to make Norbert change his good resolutions and go back to his former gay life. Like the great St. Augustine, he was tempted by his former friends, who continually tried to hold him up to ridicule and scorn, well knowing how deeply his proud nature had always resented this. It would have been contrary to human nature, had Norbert not felt these attacks keenly. However, he stood firm. Inexperienced soldier as he was in the great spiritual battle, he went with all his temptations and difficulties to his commander, Abbot Conon, asked his advice and followed his directions. As often as he went to the abbot, as Norbert himself later testified, peace was restored to his soul. Days and weeks and months he passed, apparently dead to the world, but fighting a fierce battle with his former self. At other times his impetuous nature asserted itself; he then would hasten to Abbot Conon and beg to be allowed to plunge into the blind world, and preach by word and example, the vanity of earthly things. But the wise abbot checked his ardor and taught him how to control this impetuosity by studying the conduct of our Blessed Redeemer. He made clear to Norbert that his hour had not yet come, but that it would be plainly revealed to him in God's appointed time. Thus did our Saint make great progress in self-denial and self-mastery under the prudent guidance of his spiritual father.
Meanwhile the time was drawing near when the Archbishop of Cologne was accustomed to hold his ordinations. We know that the Saint had long since been ordained subdeacon. He had refused to receive the higher orders that he might with more freedom lead a worldly life. Norbert, now realizing the greatness of the scandal he had thus given, was most anxious to make due reparation. When he spoke to Abbot Conon to this effect, he found to his great delight that the abbot also advised him to present himself for Orders. After some deliberation it was decided that Norbert should go in person to the Archbishop and request him, not only to admit him among the candidates for Holy Orders, but also to allow him to receive Deaconship and the Holy Priesthood on one and the same day. Thus we find Norbert after his long retreat, his soul filled with a heavenly joy, once more in the palace of the Archbishop of Cologne with an unexpected request.
Imagine the surprise of the Archbishop when made acquainted with the request of his former courtier. Informed of the great change which had taken place in Norbert, he called him into his presence and said: "Indeed, you greatly surprise me, so often have you refused Holy Orders when offered to you even by learned and virtuous men." Norbert felt the truth of the rebuke, and when pressed to account for the change in him, wished to tell all, but tears choked his voice. Unable to speak, he threw himself at the feet of the Archbishop, and begged him to forgive him his past life. This so touched His Grace, that he said: "Who am I, that I should dare to keep the gates of God's Sanctuary closed against you?"
Enter now, pious reader, the vast and venerable Cathedral of Cologne, dedicated to the Prince of the Apostles; it is the hour of the inspiring ceremony of solemn ordination. The church is richly decorated; the Ordinandi, carrying their sacred vestments, are taking their places in the sanctuary, and an immense crowd fills the spacious cathedral. Many, no doubt, have come, led by devotion, but a large number also are there through mere curiosity. Norbert is to be ordained! Norbert, the son of the Count of Gennep; Norbert, the well-known, gay courtier! This rumor has spread through the city of Cologne and all who knew him had come to verify for themselves this incredible report. Note their disappointment as they vainly scrutinize the Ordinandi, for Norbert is not among them. They are questioning the truth of the report, and even giving expression to their doubts, when down the center aisle moves a stately figure, clad in silk, costly adorned with gold and jewels. It is Norbert in all his former glory. All heads are turned—all eyes are fixed on him. What does it all mean, they ask? Is he returning to his former gay life? Verily no! The break between himself and the world is to be completed, and the vast crowd is to witness it and to be convinced of his sincerity. As the sacristan offers him the sacred vestments, Norbert calls one of his servants who is near at hand. At last he thinks his hour is come—the hour in which he may repair, at least in part, the scandal he has given, and show his former friends how deeply he is in earnest. He wills to impress most vividly upon their minds that he is no longer the Norbert they have known —no longer the gay courtier and slave of the world, but the humble penitent of Jesus Christ renouncing the world and its pomp. Before the eyes of this vast multitude, he casts his princely garments on the floor, and replaces them by a penitential robe of sheepskin, tied around the waist with a rough cord. Then putting the liturgical vestments over this simple tunic, he goes to the altar and presents himself for Ordination. [A-2-5]
- "Thy robes of princely state are spurned;
- The court, its pomps, its gilded strife,
- Are shine no more for higher love
- Has fortified thy glowing heart....
- (Offlce of St. Norbert.)
The crowd, breathless, especially those who were ignorant of the happenings on the road to Freden, could not believe their own eyes. "Who would ever have thought it?" they said, "this is truly a miracle!" Meanwhile, in the sanctuary, the Holy Ceremony was proceeding. "Receive the power to consecrate the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ," was at last spoken to Norbert, and God alone knows the feelings which at that moment animated his noble soul, unworthy as he considered himself, to become the minister of God—a priest of the Most High. . . .! His sentiments on this sacred occasion are expressed, however imperfectly, in these his own words:
"O Sacerdos! tu non es tu, quia Deus es; tu non es tui, quia servus et minister Christi; tu non es tuus, quia sponsus Ecclesiae; tu non es tibi, quia mediator Dei et hominum; tu non es de te, quia nihil es. Tu quis ergo, O Sacerdos? nihil et omnia. Sacerdos cave ne tibi, quod Christo patienti, dicatur: Alios salvos fecit, seipsum non potest salvum facere. "
"O Priest! thou art not thyself, because thou art God; thou art not of thyself, because thou art the servant and minister of Christ; thou art not thine own, because thou art the spouse of the Church; thou art not for thyself, because thou art the mediator between God and man; thou art not from thyself, because thou art nothing. What then art thou, O Priest? Nothing and everything. O Priest! take care lest what was said to Christ on the Cross be said to thee: He saved others, himself he cannot save."
In vain did the eager crowd look for Norbert when the solemn services were concluded. He had secretly left the cathedral and returned in haste to his spiritual father. In the monastery of Siburg, under the direction of the abbot, he at once began a retreat of forty days, fasting on bread and water, in order-to prepare himself for a worthy exercise of his sacred calling. His time he divided between meditation and a study of the duties of the sacred ministry. It was his good fortune at this particular time to make the acquaintance of Abbot Rupert, a saintly man, and the learned author of a beautiful book on the ceremonial of the Mass. It was largely through his influence that our Saint conceived so profound a respect for the adorable Sacrifice, and that later he became a real champion of the august Sacrament of the Altar. Henceforth, love for the Holy Eucharist and a burning zeal for the salvation of souls were his characteristic virtues.
After his forty days' retreat Norbert returned to Xanten, his native town, and again took his place among the Canons. With deep humility and devotion he joined in the recital of the divine Office and evinced great fervor in his efforts to serve God as perfectly as possible. The day after his arrival the members of the Chapter offered him the privilege of celebrating a Solemn High Mass on the following day, for it was customary thus to honor newly-ordained priests. Norbert gladly accepted the favor. One of the panegyrists exclaims:
"O day, forever memorable in the annals of religion! Overcome by a holy enthusiasm, Norbert suspended the sacred function and, burning with love for souls, mounted the pulpit and delivered a most powerful discourse on the fleeting pleasures of the world and the emptiness of its honors and promises. With an eloquence which foreshadowed the future great orator he warned his vast audience of the dangers of a worldly life, and urged them to reform, pointing to his own life as an example."[A-2-6]
Norbert shared the zeal of all the Saints of his period for reform among clerics as well as among laymen. On the very next day he spoke to the Canons assembled in the chapter-house, of their lack of discipline. Holding in his hands the Rules of the Fathers, promulgated by the Council of Aix-la-Chapelle, in 816, for secular canons, he urged so fearlessly and forcefully the necessity of reforming their lives, that many of the older canons were deeply moved, and looked upon Norbert as one sent by heaven to restore discipline. But the younger canons, more attached to the pleasures of the world, became so exasperated on being rebuked, and especially by one like Norbert, that, not being able to bear his remonstrances nor to silence him, some left the chapter-house while others became most insulting. Instigated by the latter, a young cleric of low birth even spat in his face. [A-2-7] Norbert, however, excused him, and forgave him at once, thanking God for this occasion of doing penance for his sins. In this manner did God prepare His servant for his life-work, namely, the betterment of the people by the reformation of the clergy. Henceforth this is to be his constant aim as Missionary—as Founder of a new Religious Order—and especially as Archbishop of Magdeburg.
<<start of footnotes for chapter A-2>>
[A-2-1]
According to Ch. Louis Hugo's MS. Hagiolog. Ord. Praem. Norbert's conversion took place on May 28.
[A-2-2]
Cfr. Acta SS. T. XX, p. 802.
[A-2-3]
At once the Novice turns away from the dangerous road which he has foolishly been treading, and flies eagerly to the sanctuary.
[A-2-4]
Cfr. "Die Victorskirche zu Xanten," s. 167.
[A-2-5]
Pellibus agninis gemmis auroque nitentem
Permutat populo Mysta stupente togam.
In the third chapter of the Vita B we read: `Notus ut putabatur, omnibus; sed ignotus, ut rei veritas se habebat, universis . . . innuit sibi praesentari pelliceum agninum . . . viden tibus universis consortibus . . . pristinae levitatis . . . etc.
[A-2-6]
Migne T. LIII, p. 347. Panegyric of St. Norbert, preached in Paris on the 11th and the 17th of July, 1763.
[A-2-7]
Cfr. Vita A, Ch. II.
<<end of footnotes for chapter A-2>>
<<end of CHAPTER A-2 for Kirkfleet, Volume 1>>
