Saint of the Day: St. Norbert, Apostle of the Blessed Sacrament
St. Norbert was born in the area of Cleves to a noble family around the year 1080. Although he became a cleric, he lived a worldly life for many years. However, he experienced a conversion experience in 1115. While riding one day, he was overtaken by a thunderstorm. A flash of lightning struck the ground before him, the horse threw him, and he seemed to hear a voice upbraiding him for his conduct. As in the case of St. Paul, the experience wrought a complete transformation. Norbert decided to give away his property and income rights, and to lead an austere life. He joined the Benedictines of Siegburg and was ordained to the priesthood in 1115. Undertaking the apostolic life, he accepted the duty of preaching, particularly throughout France and Germany. Gathering together some companions, he laid the foundations of the Premonstratensian Order, for which he also founded monasteries. In 1125, Norbert was named archbishop of Magdeburg. On July 13, 1126, he entered the city and came baref...