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The History of St. Norbert
by J.C. Kirkfleet, O. Praem.; 1916, B. Herder, London
Trials
Obsesso stygias e Corpore saepe Cohortes,
Orci Norbertus Caeca sub antra fugat.
. . . Then
The demon fled the tortured souls of men
At thy desire.
Norbert was very anxious to find followers for his new foundations, and so whenever anyone offered himself, expressing the wish to lead a more perfect life, the invariable practice of our Saint was to give him a trial. Old and young, poor and wealthy, men as well as women, had thus in great numbers become his disciples. In fact, very shortly after founding a house for the training of priests, Norbert also made provisions for a house for Sisters. Apostolic men at the end of the eleventh and the beginning of the twelfth century, while establishing abbeys for religious, did not think it proper to deprive women of the blessings of religious life. They opened houses for them, and these places were then called "double monasteries." The most celebrated among these was the house of Fontevrault, founded by Robert d'Abrissel, where the abbess exercised authority not only over the Sisters but also over the men of the Institute. These double monasteries usually consisted of two distinct monasteries separated by walls, but within one enclosure. The religious were in reality but neighbors and their church and house, as all else, were entirely distinct, so that there was a complete separation. [B-2-1]
The first woman who placed herself under Norbert's spiritual direction was a noble lady of Vermandois, Ricvere by name, the widow of Raymond of Clastres. [B-2-2] She had given part of her property for the sustenance of Norbert's brethren, and she herself lived in a poor little hut near-by to care for the sick. In due time Norbert gave her the white habit and the veil, and thus her little hut became the cradle of the Second Order of St. Norbert, which flourished for centuries, and exists to this day in different parts of the world.
In consequence of Norbert's practice of allowing one to enter his monastery to try himself, several unworthy members, that is, without a vocation, had entered the young community. Hence it cannot cause great surprise to find that, during the Saint's absence at the Synod of Soissons, the evil spirit had caused disturbances among the brethren. As soon as Norbert, on his return, reached his beloved valley there arose a great tempest during which God revealed to him the pitiful state in which the community was at Premontre. He learned that some of the disciples, who had come with him from Nivelles where he had also found his beloved Anthony, had become dissatisfied and left. They had now returned to that place, and still under Satan's influence, were trying to justify their own conduct by calumniating Norbert and the brethren. They spread false rumors about them and even accused Norbert of being a deceiver.
Besides, at Premontre, there was a young religious named Gerard, who had been a model of piety and obedience, but now, having listened to the suggestions of Satan, to the great scandal of all the brethren, publicly broke the Lenten fast and abstinence, which at all times was strictly observed. Upon his return Norbert went at once to this young religious, embraced him with the affection of a father, but at the same time punished him with the severity of a judge. Gerard willingly accepted the penance Norbert imposed on him, overcame the enemy, and again became a model of virtue, and worthy to be one day, the first abbot of ClaireFontaine. Further, with the Saint's return rest and quiet was at once restored to the community. Norbert then remained for some time at Premontre instructing, and encouraging his spiritual children in the constant practice of virtue. His favorite topic was the confidence in God one ought to have in his struggles with the evil spirit. "Qui Deum habet pro se, turbatur in nulla re," " One who has God on his side will never be disturbed by anything, " was one of his most frequent sayings. Knowing that Satan would do all in his power to frustrate the good work at Premontre, Norbert greatly insisted on childlike confidence in God.
Towards the end of April he considered the young community strong enough to be left alone, and decided on another missionary journey. He went towards Nivelles, and on the road thither had the happiness of reconciling not only two inveterate enemies, but numerous sinners with God. The people at Nivelles, however, seemed quite hostile to him, as a result of the calumnies spread by his former disciples, and some reproached him bitterly. But, accustomed to all kinds of insults, the Saint did not even attempt to justify himself. He bore the results of these calumnies with great patience and resignation, and left his vindication entirely to Divine Providence, in Whose fields he labored. Since he came not to gain the favor of the people but to lead their souls to God, he inwardly rejoiced to be found worthy to suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ. And God, Who constantly watched over the Saint, soon found means to restore Norbert to honor and good name, and to bring his calumniators to shame.
There was a young girl in Nivelles who for years had been possessed by the evil one. She often became so unmanageable that they had to tie her with ropes and lock her in a room by herself. She then would get into a fury, abuse all those around, and become really dangerous. The young girl was brought to the Saint, who in all simplicity and full of the liveliest faith, read over her the exorcisms as found in the Roman Ritual, but seemingly without avail. Ascribing his ill success to his own unworthiness, he promised God to make himself less unworthy by fasting and prayer. After passing the whole night in fervent prayer, he sent word in the morning to the parents of the unfortunate girl to bring her to assist at his Mass. In the middle of the Mass, in fact, at the moment of the Elevation, the devil cried out in a loud voice: "See how he holds his God in his hands. " [B-2-3] The early biographers observe here that devils are forced to confess what heretics deny. The prayer of the saintly priest increased in fervor meanwhile, and Satan exclaimed: "I burn, I burn, let me go," and the unclean spirit with loud protestations left his victim, and the poor girl remained lying on the door like one dead. This happened publicly before a large crowd of people.. When at the end of the Holy Sacrifice she had regained consciousness, Norbert restored the girl to her parents, who were full of gratitude to him, and the people, in the highest admiration for the man of God, proclaimed anew his power and holiness of life. This event is thus narrated in all its details in the earliest biography of the Saint. That it took place under the very eyes of a great multitude, who in their enthusiasm sang the "Te Deum" to thank God for His goodness manifested through Norbert, was clearly the work of Divine Providence, for Norbert's reputation was at once vindicated, and his calumniators put to shame.
But Satan, conquered by Norbert at Nivelles, began to use all his power to cause disturbances in the young community at Premontre. He worked on the natural pride and self-will of some and frequently succeeded in making the life of the young novice very trying. Soon after the event at Nivelles we read in the Annals of Premontre, that a poor boy, whose father was a lay brother in the monastery, became possessed. As the boy was quite violent at times, the brethren were greatly disturbed, and knew not what to do. After holding council, they decided to lock him in a room and await the return of their Father Norbert. But the Prior took great pity on the boy and commanded all to pray fervently. He then took his Ritual, read the prayers given, and commanded the evil one to depart in the name of Jesus Christ. To their great consternation they all heard distinctly these words: "Cursed be the hour that that white dog (meaning Norbert) was born." Still Satan refused to give up his prey. At last a young and saintly novice, who acted only in virtue of holy obedience, succeeded in putting the evil one to flight.
Soon Norbert returned and with him came once more happiness and rest to the small community. The Saint's very presence was more than Satan could bear. Every one was happy and contented whenever Norbert was around; and, following his wise directions, all made rapid progress in virtue. Before long, however, another difficulty of a more serious nature presented itself.
Their number had kept on increasing, and soon the little chapel could no longer suffice for so many religious. All were anxious to erect a beautiful church, and to build it on the spot pointed out to Norbert in his first vision, by the Blessed Virgin herself. Though the brethren had been able to erect their own little tents, the building of a church, worthy of the name, was beyond them. There was no lack of material all around them, but where find able builders? Norbert counted on help from above. He had always had a special devotion to relics, and he reasoned that if he could only procure relics of Saints, whom he and his brethren would venerate, these Saints would undoubtedly assist him. He knew that Cologne, the city of his youth, possessed an abundance of relics, and that a number of artists and builders were also to be found within its walls. Further, he could rely entirely on the assistance of the Archbishop of Cologne; and, therefore, he decided once more to leave Premontre, and to undertake the journey to Cologne. As was his wont, he turned the journey into a real missionary tour, and found numerous opportunities of converting sinners, and winning new disciples. He was so grateful to God for his own happiness that he was anxious to have others share in it.
The good Archbishop Frederic was delighted indeed to see his former courtier again, however much he was changed; and he received him with all kindness. His presence soon became known among the people, and the name of Norbert was once more on the lips of all. Never was there a greater concourse of people present than when he spoke in the old and venerable cathedral. Since a great many remembered him only as the young and gay courtier, a son of the nobility, his words, strengthened by his appearance, made a very deep impression when in his eloquent way he spoke on the vanity of the world and the necessity of doing penance. His confessional was crowded all day, as the early biographer informs us, and no less than thirty young men renounced the world and begged to become his followers. [B-2-5]
However, the first object of his journey was to procure the relics of saints. Now in attaining this object God helped Norbert in a most remarkable way. When he first made known his object to the Archbishop, His Grace as well as his clergy and the people were happy to be able to assist the man of God as a kind of remuneration for his inestimable services. As was known to everyone, the relics of numerous martyrs were hidden somewhere in the city of Cologne. [B-2-6]
Norbert was then given not only full permission to search for them but even men to help him in his work, and if he succeeded, he had leave to take the relics with him to Premontre. The Saint soon had his plans formed. He prescribed for his new brethren a day of strict fast; he himself doubled on that day his austerities, and all prayed with extraordinary fervor that heaven would guide them in their diligent search. And, wonderful to relate! the night which followed the fast, our Saint had an apparition of St. Ursula, who indicated to him her own burial place, hitherto entirely unknown. [B-2-7] This happened during the night between the tenth and the eleventh of October, in the year 1121, nearly a thousand years after St. Ursula and her holy Virgins had suffered martyrdom. Early the next morning a search was made in the place indicated by the apparition, and in reality the body was found in its integrity. With what a transport of joy did our Saint receive this precious treasure! Surely the blessing of Almighty God was seen once more to rest visibly on Norbert's undertaking. During the singing of religious hymns the precious remains were put in a costly urn, and then given over to the Saint. He further received two reliquaries containing notable parts of the bodies of the other virgins. [B-2-8]
Acting on divine inspiration, Norbert went the next day to the church of St. Gereon, whose Provost at the time was Hermannus. He begged that he be allowed to dig under the monastery; because the Saint seemed to know that there were buried numerous martyrs of the Theban Legion of the third century, and among them St. Gereon himself, their leader. However much surprised the superiors were, since Norbert was known to them as "an illustrious preacher and a great servant of God," they gave him their full permission. According to his invariable custom, before any work of importance, the Saint recommended himself to God and spent the whole night in fervent prayer. Meanwhile men were digging the whole night in the presence of Rudolph, Abbot of St. Panthaleon, (who had been delegated by the Archbishop himself), and of a great many clerics and the most prominent people of Cologne. But during the whole night they found nothing in any way remarkable. At daybreak Norbert himself came upon the scene, and at once gave orders to the men to dig near a certain pillar on the south side of the church. Although there was no trace of any sepulchre there, the men began digging anew, simply because Norbert told them to do so. And behold! before long they came upon a precious slab of marble. All present were in great admiration, and when at last the sarcophagus was opened and they saw before their eyes a corpse bearing all the signs of a martyr of the Theban Legion, their enthusiasm knew no bounds, and they freely shouted for joy. [B-2-9]
The upper part of the head was missing, and hereby they knew that it was the body of St. Gereon himself, for in suffering martyrdom, the upper part of his head had been cut off, which part in fact had been venerated for centuries. When it became known in the city that the body of St. Gereon had actually been found, clergy as well as laity came hurrying in great numbers to the monastery, and, deeply touched, all joined in loudly praising and thanking God for His goodness. Then it was whispered by someone that Norbert was to take the body with him to Premontre, and their joy was at once changed to anger. Loud protestations were heard from all sides, until the Provost of St. Mary's mounted the pulpit, and to calm the uproar, promised the people that the Archbishop was to decide that question. [B-2-10] This announcement quieted the people, and it was then decided to leave, meanwhile, near the tomb a guard to watch day and night. Thus the tomb was guarded from the 13th of October until the 24th of November. "On that day, November 24th, " continues Rudolph, " in the presence of Frederic, the Archbishop of Cologne, of abbots, provosts and of all the religious of the city, and of an innumerable multitude of the laity; the tomb was again opened with great solemnity, and the body shown to the people. Abbots and priests, vested in alb and stole, lifted the body, and collecting all the precious relics in a linen cloth, went in solemn procession around the church and monastery. Returning to the church, Rudolph chanted a solemn High Mass in honor of the martyrs of the Theban Legion.
Norbert did not assist at these solemnities, for he was no longer in Cologne. The Archbishop, to whom, as we remarked above, the case had been referred, had decided to give Norbert not the whole body but part of the relics, and thus the Saint had left the city in the latter part of October. [B-2-11] How happy he was on this return journey to Premontre, we can easily imagine. He had gone out in search of relics of the saints, and had obtained far more than he had ever dared hope for; besides, he had gone in search of new disciples, and there he was returning with a community larger than the original. Wherever he went, people ran out of their houses to greet the man of God. Everywhere he was received with the greatest honor, and his journey was truly one succession of miracles. Wherever the precious relics rested, God poured out His divine blessing in abundance. And the people said: "These truly are the relics of Saints in the hand of a Saint.'' [B-2-12]
When Norbert arrived in the city of Namur, Count Godfrey and his wife Ermensinde, daughter of Conrad I, Count of Luxembourg, came in all haste to meet him and to venerate the relics which the Saint carried with him. They had heard, they said, that Norbert intended to pass through their estates, and they had therefore come to express their most ardent desire to receive him and his saintly disciples under their roof. Norbert consented. The Countess was so much impressed during a conversation which she held with the Saint, that she offered him her manor-house at Floreffe for the establishment of a second abbey. [B-2-13] Norbert accepted the offer and remained some days to regulate conditions for this second foundation, and at the same time to satisfy the piety of his distinguished hosts. In the course of time Godfrey, the Count, will really renounce the world and all his possessions and become a humble lay-brother in this abbey, which he is now about to found; his wife also will one day become a religious. As expressly stated in the memorable deed, they donated their property to give satisfaction to God for their sins. Literally it reads: "In the name of the Holy and Indivisible Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. I, Godfrey, Count of Namur, and the Countess Ermensinde, having understood by the inspiration of the angel of good counsel, that we could expiate our sins in no better way than by giving alms . . . " etc. [B-2-14]
After this prolonged stay with Count Godfrey, Norbert hastened to continue his journey to Premontre, where he knew that the brethren were anxiously awaiting his return. But before leaving Floreffe he entered the church and placed there on the altar, part of the relics of St. Gereon. In consequence of this act the religious of Floreffe have until this last century, chanted every year a solemn Mass of thanksgiving for the intention of the Canons of St. Gereon's church at Cologne, in return for their liberality in parting with these precious relics. The remainder of his treasure Norbert carried with him to Premontre, where they have since been kept in great honor and constant veneration. In memory of the event related in this chapter, all Premonstratensians the world over celebrate the feast of St. Gereon with special solemnity, and also the feast of St. Ursula and her holy virgins.
<start of footnotes for Chapter B-2>>
[B-2-1]
Madelaine, p. 159-160, who further quotes A. Lenoir, "Architecture monast." 1861, p. 474-478. Monast. double.
[B-2-2]
Cfr. Acta Sanctorum T. CXI, p. 62.: "Eo tempore quaedam nobilis mulier Rycwera nomine, uxor Raymondi de Clastris, in praedictum locum, conversionis gratia, se contulit . . . "
[B-2-3]
Vita B, Ch. XXII: "Videte, videte; ecce iste deiculum suum inter manus suas tenet." Cfr. also Camus, p. 118.
[B-2-4]
Ibldem. Hoc ita publice factum est, teste omni populo. Cfr. Pertz Sigeb. contin. Praem. T. VI, p. 448.
[B-2-5]
Madelaine, op. cit., who quotes Vita, Ch. XXIII, calls here attention to the fact of auricular confession, a century before the fourth Lateran Council. See p. 166.
[B-2-6]
Vita ( Pertz ), Ch. XII.
[B-2-7]
Ibidem: Reliquiarum patrocinia quibus ab antiquo repleta et dotata erat Sancta Colonia . . . Virgo ex undecim millium . . . et nomen virginis et locus mausolei . . . visionem cuidam designatus est . . .
[B-2-8]
Cfr. Madelaine, op. cit., p. 167. See also Cath. Encyclop., Vol. V, p. 672c, where this visit of St. Norbert to Cologne is mentioned in connection with the relics of the sainted Ewalds.
[B-2-9]
Vita (Pertz), Ch. XII. "Ubi nullum alicujus sepulchri patebat vestigium effodi praecepit. Ubi corpus integrum absque capite repertum est . . . Cfr. also Acta SS. Tom V. Oct., p. 68. Rudolphi epistola: "Petente quodam Dei servo et praedicatore magno Norberto . . . Inter quos et ego peccator affui . . . inventum est in eo corpus magnum . . . indutum chlamide militari coloris purpurei . . . ut conjicere verius potuimus, sic casu pertransierat inter caput et mentum persecutoris gladius . . ."
[B-2-10]
Acta SS. 1. c. Tota civitas statim Infremuit . . . contradicebaturque ob omnibus domino Norberto . . . differendum promittente usque ad praesentiam domini archiepiscopi.
[B-2-11]
Vita B, Ch. XXIII.
[B-2-12]
Illana. p. 69.
[B-2-13]
Vita, 1. c. Obuixe deprecans ut quandam ecclesiolam suam in villa Floreffiae vellet suscipere. . . Cfr. Cath. Encycl. VI, 105.
[B-2-14]
Hugo Annales Ord. Praem. I. Prob., col. XLIX. Madelaine, from whom this quotation is taken, further observes that the bodies of Godfrey and Ermensinde still rest in the church at Laon, under a marble slab, with the following inscription: Godefridus—Ermensindis. See Madelalne, op. cit., p. 226.
