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A saint struck by lightning. The young count Norbert built up a successful career and gave his time over to various amusements. When he was out riding one day he was struck by a bolt of lightning that knocked him off his horse. Just as with St. Paul, this incident brought about his conversion and marked the beginning of a new life for him. He became a priest and withdrew into solitude and poverty. On one of his pilgrimages he came to Prémontré in France, where he founded a new religious order. Known as the Premonstratensians or the Norbertines, the new order spread rapidly throughout Europe. In 1140 it founded a monastery in Strahov in Prague. St. Norbert was buried in Magdeburg, where he was archbishop. In 1627 his body was translated to Strahov monastery in Prague. His legacy: St. Norbert had great devotion to the holy Eucharist, often taking steps to protect it and showing respect for it in various ways. For this reason he is often depicted holding a monstrance. He venerated the sacrament of the altar. |
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