ALVMNVS BOOK FYND SAINT NORBERT (1080-1134) SAINT NORBERT, APOSTLE OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. Portrait by Abraham van Diepenbeek (1599-1675). Angrels and Flowers by Adrian van Utrecht. HISTORY OF SAINT NORBERT FOUNDER OF THE Norbertine (Premonstratensian) Order Apostle of the Blessed Sacrament Archbishop of Magdeburg BY THE Rev. CORNELIUS J. KIRKFLEET, ORD. PRAEM, En Norbertinae sunt haec compendia Vitae Hie quod mireris, quodque sequaris, habes. This is the story of the Life of St. Norbert Here one finds things to admire and to imitate. (WITH TWELVE ILLUSTRATIONS) B. .HERDER 17 SOUTH BROAD v v AY, Six Louis, Mo. A:;D , ->,>,., 68 GREAT RU-SRLIL ST , LONDON,, W.C. 1916 APPROBATIO ORDINIS. B. H. Pennings, O. Praem. Prior Provinciae Americanae NIHIL OBSTAT Sti. Ludovici, die 23. August 19J6 F. G. Holweck Censor Llbrorum IMPRIMATUR Sti. Ludovici, die 23. August 1916 * Joannes J. Glennon, Archiepiscopus Sti. Ludovici Copyright, 1916 ly Joseph C-umyicrsbach All rifthts reserved Printed in 'G. S.. A. PREFACE The life of Norbert, a Saint of the twelfth century, has been written repeatedly in almost every language. In the "Acta SS. (T. XX. et 1 Junii app. p. 38) one of the Bollandists, Father Conrad Jannick, says: "I hardly know of an illustrious man king, emperor, or saint whose life has been written more often than Nor- bert 's." Of Norbert it has been said in very truth, that his deeds have been glorified by numerous historians in their annals, by poets in their verses, by artists on their canvas. As to its historical value, the life-story of Norbert, as Founder of a Religious Order, is a reflection of the ecclesiastical conditions in his days while as almoner at the court of Henry V, and later as Archbishop of one of the most important sees of Germany, his life gives an insight into the political conditions of a great his- torical period. When we consider that at one time there were no less than 67 abbeys of Norbertine or White Canons in Eng- land, Scotland and Ireland, it seems very strange that Norbert is but little known among English-speaking na- tions. However, in the first place, we should remember that since the Protestant Reformation, when all these houses were lost, more than three hundred years passed before the sons of Norbert returned to England; sec- ondly, only a very short account of Norbert 's life was thus far ever written in the English language. Today, 372287 vi History of Saint Norbert therefore, as the Premonstratensian Fathers are once more engaged in missionary activity among English- speaking people on both sides of the Atlantic, a more detailed life of St. Norbert, will, we trust, be welcomed. "We shall here give a list of biographies of St. Norbert ; first, for the benefit of students of this historical period, and secondly, because we shall often have occasion to refer to these in the course of our history. Until the middle of the last century, the principal source of information for the biographer of St. Nor- bert was a MS. attributed to Bl. Hugh, the Saint's first disciple and successor. At different times copies were made of this MS. Thus, one may be seen to-day in the British Museum in London. (No. 15621.) The Public Library of Soissons (Aisne) has two copies, one of the twelfth and one of the thirteenth century. The Library of Bourgogne at Brussels has one copy of the twelfth and one of the fifteenth century. All are entitled: "Vita Norberti, auctore Canonico, praeadjuvante Hugone ab- bate, Fossense." This Life was generally used by all compilers until the year 1856, when Mr. Roger Wilmans discovered in the Royal Library at Berlin, a manuscript Life of Nor- bert of the thirteenth century. This valuable document he published in vol. XII of Pertz "Monumenta Ger- maniae Historical ' "When compared with the MS. generally in use, it was found to agree in everything ; but in the latter is related in a more detailed manner the Life of the Archbishop of Magdeburg, his dealings with the Emperor, and the expedition of Lothaire and Nor- bert to Italy (1132-1133). Although no one has been able to find out who was the author of this MS., it is now generally believed, that he was a German; this Preface vii is clear from the contents and the expressions he uses; also that the MS. is a copy of the MS. by Bl. Hugh, but with additions, especially that on Norbert's influence in Germany. This MS. is referred to as "Vita A," while the one by Hugh is called "Vita B." These observations are based on a series of articles published in the ' ' Katho- liek," a Holland publication, in the year 1885. The author, Father G. VandenElsen, 0. Praem., has made a thorough study of these two oldest biographies of St. Norbert. The first printed Life of St. Norbert came out in the year 1572 and was published by Surius in his: "De Probatis Sanctorum Historiis." (T. III., p. 517-547.) This is an abridgement of the old MS. now known as the "Vita B." Since that date Norbert 's Life has been printed and reprinted in various languages. Thus appeared in 1599: "Divi Norberti vita metrica" Leodii publ. by Malcorp. 1623: "Vita S. Norberti iconibus expressa." Theod. Gal- leus excudit. Antverpiae. 1623: "Het leven van den H. Norbertus ' ' Van der Sterre Antwerp. 1627: "Vie de Saint Norbert" by Maurice du Pre Paris. 1632: "Compendia della vita, miracoli ed istituto del glorioso Patriarca San Norberto" by Cornelius Hanegravius. Rome. 1633: "Vita S. Norberti" T. I. "Bibliotheca Ordinis Praemonstratensis" by Le Paige Paris. 1640: "L'homme Apostolique en la vie de S. Norbert" by Camus. Caen. viii History of Saint Norbert 1641: "Vita et gesta S. Norberti " Vindelicae by P. Schellenberg, S. J. 1650: "S. Norberti vita metro libera " Duaci by De Waghenare. 1656: "Vita S. Norberti" Antverpiae by Van der Sterre. This is the complete MS. life, known as "Vita B." We read in the Prologue: "Cum multi hujus vitam et gesta conscripser- int, nullum omnino invenerim qui rem plenarie et ex ordine prosequatur. . . ." 1661: "Vita S. Norberti" in the "Monasticon Angli- cum'' T. II. p. 577 et seqq. Londini. 1667: "Vida Apostolica, muerte y translacion di N. P. San Norbetto" by Francesco Dubai. Madrid. 1683: "Historia critica S. Norberti" lenae by Gas- par Sagittarius (Protestant). 1695: "Vita S. Norberti" 6 Junii in Acta Sanctorum T. XX. 1704: "Histoire de Saint Norbert" by Charles Louis Hugo Luxemburg. 1732: "Vita S. Norberti" by Daniel Schlinder Pragae. 1738: "Vita S. Norberti recognita" vol. Ill of the An- nales Ord. Praem. by Charles Louis Hugo. 1755: "Historia del gran Padre San Norberto" Grand by Abad Illana. 1855: "De S. Norberto Ord. Praem. Conditore, com- mentatio historica" by Tenckoff. Minister. 1859: "Vita S. Norberti" by Joseph Scholtz. Breslau. 1860: "Saint Norbert, Arch, de Magdebourg et Fonda- teur de 1'Ordre de Premontre. Lille. 1865: "Die Pramonstratenser der 12 Jahrh." Berlin by Franz Winter. (Protestant.) Preface ix 1866: "Histoire de S. Norbert ' ' Bruxelles by P. Al- phonse de Liguori. 1874: "Die altesten biographien des heiligen Norbertus" Berlin by Rosenmund. 1875: "lenae Literaturzeitung" Bernhardi. 1876: "Die streitige Papstwahl des Jahres 1130. " Inns- bruck. Muhlbacher. 1877: "Svaty Norbert" by Dominic Cermak. Prague. 1883: "Leben des heiligen Norbertus" by G. Hertel. Leipsig. 1886: "Histoire de saint Norbert . . . d'apres les manu- scrits et les documents originaux. " by G. Made- laine. Lille. 1886: "The Life of St. Norbert" by M. Geudens, Lon- don. 1890: "Het leven van den heiligen Norbertus" by G. VandenElsen. Averbode, Belgium. 1898: "Vie de saint Norbert. Tableaux historiques du XII Siecle." by Ign. Van Spillbeeck. Bruxelles. 1900: "Der heilige Norbert" by Alphonse Zak. Wien. 1914: "Der HI. Norbert" by Barth. Wozasek Wien. The above list shows how, especially since the discov- ery of Mr. Wilmans in 1856, the former interest in the history of St. Norbert has been revived in the different countries of Europe. And thus it has been a compara- tively easy task for the present writer to compile this history. "Whenever possible he has taken quotations from English authors and historians, but for the rest he has chiefly relied on "Het leven van den H. Norbertus" by G. VandenElsen, of whose accuracy the writer is fully convinced, and the "Histoire de Saint Norbert" by G. Madelaine, whose history of the Saint is said to be the x History of Saint Norbert most complete. Both these authors have relied on the "Vita B," the oldest life, and have used the "Vita" discovered by Mr. Wilmans as a secondary source of information. It now remlains to express sincere thanks to all those whose assistance has s'o greatly lightened the burden of the compiler. May the intercession of St. Norbert, in whose honor the work has been undertaken, be their constant reward. THE AUTHOR. ST. NOBBERT'S COLLEGE, WEST DEPERE, Wis. December, 1915. CONTENTS Preface IT First Period FROM THE BIRTH OF NORBERT UNTIL THE FOUNDATION OF His ORDEB. 1080-1120. CHAPTER I. Page Birth and Education of Norbert Is ordained Sub-Deacon His worldly life at the Court of the Archbishop At the Court of Henry His journey to Rome as al- moner to the Emperor His conduct towards Pope Paschal II. His return to the Court of the Arch- bishop. (1080-1115.) 1 CHAPTER II. Norbert's miraculous Conversion on the road to Freden His Retreat in the Benedictine Abbey of Siburg His temptations and trials His Ordination to the Priest- hood at Cologne His acquaintance with Abbot Rupert His ardent desire for "Reform." (1115.) 13 CHAPTER III. Norbert the Penitent He is insulted and persecuted De- cried as a fanatic His meekness and humility His faith shown at the Grotto His meeting with Ludolph, the Hermit His appearance before the Council of Fritzlar He gives all he has to the poor "Ad omne opus bonum paratus" Says farewell to his people. (1116-1118.) 24 xii History of Saint Norbert CHAPTER IV. Norbert begins his missionary career Visits the Pope in France The Missionary Apostolic His success at Valenciennes Death of his three Companions Meets Bishop Burchard Norbert and Hugh, his first dis- cipleHis illness. (1118-1119. ) 36 CHAPTER V. Norbert resumes his missionary labors His love for Pov- erty His wonderful success in reconciling enemies Instructing his disciple Norbert at Posse Death of Pope Gelasius Norbert's enemies Bartholomew, Bishop of Laon Norbert appears at the Council of Rheims. (1119.) 48 CHAPTER VI. Bartholomew retains Norbert in his diocese Norbert fails in reforming the canons of St. Martin's Abbey His first visit to Premontre Apparition of the Blessed Virgin Meaning of the name "Premontre" Prop- erty given to Norbert by the Bishop. (1119-1120.) .63 Second Period FROM THE TIME THE ORDER is FOUNDED UNTIL NORBERT BECOMES ARCHBISHOP OF MAGDEBURG. 1120-1126. CHAPTER I. Norbert goes out in search of followers First trial at Pre- montre A Robbery Meeting of Evermode Recep- tion of Habit Deed of the property at Premontre Building of huts Uncertainty as to Rule Synod of Soissons Norbert opposes Abelard His power over the hearts of sinners. (1120-1121.) 74 Contents xiii CHAPTER II. Page Second Order of St. Norbert Ricvere first nun The evil spirit at work in Premontre Some religious return to the world Accusations against the Saint Norbert at Nivelles Norbert at Cologne He discovers numer- ous relics Foundation of second house Floreffe. (1121.) 88 CHAPTER III. Norbert returns to Premontre with thirty disciples New huts are built Apparition of St. Augustine His Rule First solemn Profession on Christmas night, 1121 Object and character of the Premonstratensian Order Devotion to the Blessed Eucharist and to the Blessed j Virgin The serving of parishes Teaching The white habit 101 CHAPTER IV. The Organization of the Young Community Norbert's favorite Counsels Daily life of the clerics Their studies and manual labor Penance The life of lay- brothers The Rule of the nuns Blessed Ricvere, the first nun 114 CHAPTER V. Church and Monastery are built at PremontrS Laying of cornerstone Miraculous happenings at Floreffe and Maestricht Satan at work among the builders at Pre- montre Solemn dedication of the church Sad acci- dent Beauty of abbey of PremontrS Rapid develop- ment of the Order. (1122.) 126 CHAPTER VI. Norbert and Count Godfrey Abbey of Cappenberg Con- vent of Nieder-Clooster Count Otto Opposition of xiv History of Saint Norbert Frederic, Count of Arensberg Norbert's influence with Henry V. His part in restoring peace between the German Emperor and Pope Calixtus End of In- vestiture Foundations in Germany Death of Bl. God- frey 140 CHAPTER VH. St. Norbert and Theobald, Count of Champagne Theobald wants to follow the example of Godfrey Is dissuaded by Norbert Origin and object of the Third Order Theobald its first member Rule to be observed by Ter- tiaries Marvelous growth of Norbert's work 152 CHAPTER VIII. Tanchelm, the heretic His life and teaching Canons quit Antwerp Bishop Burchard invites Norbert Norbert sets out with eleven disciples Their triumph over heresy Norbert is called the Apostle of Antwerp His love for the Blessed Sacrament 162 CHAPTER IX. New Foundations in France and Belgium St. Martin's Abbey at Laon Foundations in Switzerland and Po- land The Order is confirmed by the Papal Legates Norbert's critics Dialogue between a religious of Cluny and a monk of Citeaux Some of the Saint's admirers 174 CHAPTER X. St. Bernard and St. Norbert Striking similarity of their life-story Close companions in the work of "Reform" Mutual admiration and co-operation Their friend- ship for Count Theobald Love of St. Bernard for the Premonstratensian Order He recommends the sons of St. Norbert to the Queen of Jerusalem 188 CHAPTER XI. Miraculous happenings at Premontre Norbert's journey to Ratisbon Count Engelbert Spanish Disciples Nor- Contents xv bert's Order and the Order of St. Dominic The win- ter of 1125 Norbert's great love for the poor Docu- ment which makes provision for the poor in all Pre- nionstratensian abbeys 199 CHAPTER XII. Norbert is still opposed His journey to Rome Pope Honorius confirms the Order The Bull issued by the Pope Prophetic words in Rome New foundations on German soil Miracle of Wurzburg where, through Norbert, God restores sight to a blind woman The People want Norbert for their Bishop His return to Pr6montre 211 CHAPTER XIII. Abbots and Provosts in the Order New Foundations Everwin, Abbot of Steinfeldt Concerning the mar- riage of Count Theobald Norbert's farewell address to his disciples Solemn Diet of Spires Norbert is proclaimed Archbishop 224 Third Peirod FROM THE TIME NORBERT BECOMES ARCHBISHOP UNTIL His DEATH. 1126-1134. CHAPTER I. Norbert's triumphant entrance into Magdeburg His ap- pearance The Doorkeeper refuses him admittance His episcopal Consecration Conditions of the times Norbert begins his work of reform Meets with great opposition He receives the Pallium General condi- tion of the diocese Wends First Missionary expe- dition of Norbert 240 CHAPTER II. Relations between Norbert and King Lothaire Takes sides against Conrad A friend of the religious of his xvi History of Saint Norbert diocese His visit to Premontre and Xanten Vision of Hugh The government of the Order goes over to Hugh First General Chapter The Fathers come into Magdeburg 255 CHAPTER III. Plots against the life, of the Saint Archdeacon Atticus The false penitent How God warned the Saint A second attempt is made on his life Desecration of Cathedral occasion for outbreak A riot The Saint and the Canons sing the Office of Matins in the tower False accusations against Norbert The Saint's courage Mass of thanksgiving. (1129-1130.). 269 CHAPTER IV. A new attack on Norbert's life Diabolical plan Norbert is forced to leave Magdeburg His stay at Bergen Pronounces the excommunication Norbert's triumph- ant return His address Peaceful administration of the diocese Progress of the Order Habit of the Ger- man Fathers. (1130.) 283 CHAPTER V. Schism of Peter di Leone Condition of the times Conse- quences of Schism Norbert's activity for the recog- nition of the lawful Pontiff Two important letters Diet of Wurzburg Antipope flatters Norbert Norbert is excommunicated by Anacletus Pope Inno- cent and Norbert visit Premontre Pope Confirms the Order. (1130-1131.) 294 CHAPTER VI. Intrigues of Anacletus Innocent sets out for Rome St. Bernard Norbert's part in Italian expedition Im- perial Chancellor Revolt at Augsburg Schemes of Anacletus frustrated by Norbert Admirable conduct of Norbert at Lothaire's coronation Primate of Ger- many Pope expresses gratitude to Norbert. (1132- 1133.) 308 Contents xvii CHAPTER VII. Page Norbert returns to Magdeburg Drives out the evil spirit Raises three dead to life Foundation of Berne, Mother-Abbey of American foundation The Saint's last illness His thoughtfulness for the future His edifying death Dispute regarding the remains The solemn burial Apparitions. (1134.) 323 CHAPTER VIII. Review of the principal events of Norbert's life His place in history His writings Norbert and Luther Nor- bert's canonization Reasons why at first postponed His relics exposed to profanation Norbert is canon- ized in 1582 Papal Bull Translation of Relics Great demonstration in honor of St. Norbert 337 General Index . . 354 List of Illustrations Page 1. St. Norbert, Apostle of the Blessed Sacrament . Frontispiece Portrait by Abraham van Diepenbeek (1599-1675). Angels and flowers by Adrian van Utrecht. (Cathe- dral of Antwerp.) 2. By Faith and Patience 28 Engraving by Theod. Gallus (1622). 3. St. Norbert in adoration before the Blessed Sacra- ment 55 Painting by Maarten Pepyn (1837). (Cathedral of Antwerp.) 4. Apparition of the Blessed Virgin 68 5. Apparition of St. Augustine 102 6. St. Norbert refutes Tanchelm 162 7. Triumph of St. Norbert over Tanchelm 171 (Window in Cathedral of Antwerp.) 8. St. Norbert (so-called Vera Effigies) 228 Painting by Abraham van Diepenbeek (1599-1675). 9. St. Mary's provostry at Magdeburg 268 10. St. Norbert raises the dead to life 324 11. Chapel of St. Norbert in the church of the Abbey of Strahov (near Prague), where the Saint's body is kept. In the window appears St. Norbert, a Nor- bertine Canon and a Nun 330 12. Translation of the Relics of St. Norbert 349 Painting by Siardus Nosecky, O. Praem (1710). (Abbey of Strahov near Prague.) HISTORY OF ST. NORBERT CHAPTER I HIS BIRTH AND EDUCATION. Pone metum Hadwigis: sic vox monet aethere lapsa: Tarn mundo Illustrem gignere digna Virum.i "Be of good courage, Hadwigis," said a voice from heaven, "for you are found worthy to be the mother of a renowned servant of God." No observant student, scanning the history of Chris- tianity, can fail to see the Providence of God coming to her rescue, whenever special intervention seems necessary. As often' as the powers of darkness and the intrigues of a corrupt world threatened to undermine the faith and morals of the multitude, so often did the Holy Spirit raise up men of learning and sanctity to coun- teract the evil influences of Satan's helpmates. Some of our most eminent Saints have lived in the times of moral corruption. They were sent by God to lead the army of the faithful against the legions of vice and heresy, and thus defend the honor of the Spouse of Christ. The year of our Saint's conversion coincides with the i These Latin verses were composed by an unknown author and originally formed the inscriptions under thirty-five paint- ings representing scenes of the life of St. Norbert. The paint- ings were executed by J. A. Pfeffel, 1674-1750. Cfr. "Icono- graphie Norbertine," by Ign. Van Spilbeeck, O. Praem. Vol. Ill, P. 61. 2 History of Saint Norbert death, of Tankelin or Tanchelm, the heretic, who had shaken the faith and corrupted the morals of thousands. His followers were found in Flanders, on the banks of the Ehine, and had infested the diocese of Cologne. Norbert was the Angel of peace chosen to restore the true practices of religion, to defeat Abelard and Peter di Leone, and to raise a strong arm on the side of right in the conflict then raging between the temporal and the spiritual powers. The traveler coming down the Rhine from Wesel towards Nymegen, beholds to his left at the extreme border of an immense plain the two rising spires of the collegiate church of Xanten. The town, situated near Wesel, has only about four thousand inhabitants, who are nearly all Catholic. Built at the foot of mount Fiir- stenberg, Xanten has a certain attractiveness, increased by an ancient venerableness difficult to define. Although the date of its exact origin is lost to history, local pride traces it back to the city of Troy the Troy of the Franks. To the end of the third century its name was "Vetera Castra." However, since it became the scene of the martyrdom of a number of soldiers belonging to the illustrious Theban Legion, the name has been changed into Xanten, the town of Saints. 2 In this historic little town Norbert was born in the year 1080, 3 of one of the most illustrious families of Germany's nobility. His father, whose name was Heri- bert, was related to the Imperial House itself, and his 2 Cfr. Acta SS. T. V., Octob., p. 14-30. s This is the date on which most biographers agree. There are some who name 1084 and even 1086, but give no reason for it. The Parents of Norbert 3 mother Hadwigis, was a descendant of the ancient House of Lorraine. His father bore the title of Count of Gen- nep, which he derived from his great castle, situated about seven miles from Xanten. The road leading from the castle to the village is called Norbert 's road to this day, on which account there is a local tradition that the Saint was born in the castle. Most historians agree, how- ever, that his cradle stood in his father's costly mansion at Xanten, where he also received his early education. His parents, belonging to God's nobility as well as that of the world, were both virtuous and God-fearing Christians. Besides Norbert, they had another son, Heri- bert by name, older than the Saint, and one younger, Erbert. 4 The Saint's mother especially was a very pious woman. Although history is quite silent about her, there is one very significant incident of her life related in all the biographies of Norbert. Shortly before the Saint was born, she heard very distinctly a voice from heaven, saying: "Be of good courage, Hadwigis, for you are found worthy to be the mother of a renowned servant of God, a future illustrious archbishop." Thus also were announced the great Samuel, St. John the Baptist, and other Saints. As the golden dawn heralds the sun which brings to the earth light and heat, so also were an- nounced the approach of these saints, who were to spread the light of the Gospel and kindle the warmth of Jesus' love in the hearts of the people. Blessed in- deed may we call the mother who receives such tidings from above. It was also said of the Precursor of Our * This younger brother is mentioned in the Necrology of Xanten and Floreffe. Cfr. further in the Acta SS. T. I. Junii Analecta C- III, p. 857. 4 History of Saint Norbert Lord that he would be great before God, and it is re- markable that Norbert during his lifetime always con- sidered the great Preacher of Penance his special pa- tron and protector. He tried continually to model his own life after St. John's example. When the new-born babe was baptized, it was not without reason that his name was called Norbert or Notbert, for this name means " Shield of the North." As history will prove, our Saint in reality did become a protector of Northern Europe against the invasions of Paganism, where his Order for centuries proved a mighty rampart. Although we know very little about Norbert 's early education, we have no doubt that his pious mother took charge of it herself and gave him a gentle and reverential training. She also must have imprinted upon that youthful soul that real piety, which, though dimjned for a time, shone forth in all its splendor im- mediately after his conversion. It must be further ob- served that Xanten had a collegiate church, formed in those days after the model of cathedrals, and therefore had a grammar school attached, the duties of the Canons being such as did not occupy more than a few hours each day. Probably, therefore, the education of our youthful Saint was entrusted to the Canons of Xanten. 5 He quickly surpassed his fellow-students, and convinced his teachers of the fact that God had bestowed ex- s This is the opinion of G. VandenElsen "Het leven van den H. Norbertus," p. 6. Madelaine in his "Vie de Saint Norbert," p. 33, observes that it is more probable that Norbert had a pri- vate tutor at home, according to the custom of wealthy fam- ilies in those days. Both agree about Norbert's going to the University of Cologne. N orb ert's Appearance 5 traordinary gifts upon him. Before very long, the Canons advised Norbert's father to send his son to a university. Norbert went to Cologne, where he again so distinguished himself, that when he was twenty years of age, he was looked upon as a scholar. His contempor- aries are unanimous in praising his profound knowledge of philosophy. This solid foundation served him ad- mirably in his later life, when he was called upon to refute the heretical doctrine of the clever Abelard and expose the sophistry of the party of the antipope. He had moreover an inborn eloquence and a wide knowledge of literature, sacred and profane. When we add to all this his noble birth and genteel appearance, we can readily believe that the young Norbert was considered a veritable leader among the rising generation of his day. His biographers agree that he was tall in stature in bearing, graceful and refined, quick and penetrating of intellect, tractable and tender of heart. Thus equipped at the age of twenty, our Saint faced the world at the time of its mediaeval crisis. The two great powers of the civilized world had for years been at open war. The great Pope Hildebrand had died when Norbert was a child of four, and condi- tions were still very much unsettled. Although the right of lay-investiture had been taken away from the Crown although the perfidious Henry had gone to Canossa, in Germany, the old simoniacal practices had long since been resumed. The war between the tem- poral and the spiritual powers, far from being settled, continued as a matter of fact, for more than fifty years, and the Saint himself took an active part in this great struggle and also beheld the triumph of the Church before his death. 4 History of Saint Norbert Lord that he would be great before Gk>d, and it is re- markable that Norbert during his lifetime always con- sidered the great Preacher of Penance his special pa- tron and protector. He tried continually to model his own life after St. John's example. When the new-b6rn babe was baptized, it was not without reason that his name was called Norbert or Notbert, for this name means "Shield of the North." As history will prove, our Saint in reality did become a protector of Northern Europe against the invasions of Paganism, where his Order for centuries proved a mighty rampart. Although we know very little about Norbert 's early education, we have no doubt that his pious mother took charge of it herself and gave him a gentle and reverential training. She also must have imprinted upon that youthful soul that real piety, which, though dimimed for a time, shone forth in all its splendor im- mediately after his conversion. It must be further ob- served that Xanten had a collegiate church, formed in those days after the model of cathedrals, and therefore had a grammar school attached, the duties of the Canons being such as did not occupy more than a few hours each day. Probably, therefore, the education of our youthful Saint was entrusted to the Canons of Xanten. 5 He quickly surpassed his fellow-students, and convinced his teachers of the fact that God had bestowed ex- s This is the opinion of G. VandenElsen "Het leven van den H. Norbertus," p. 6. Madelaine in his "Vie de Saint Norbert," p. 33, observes that it is more probable that Norbert had a pri- vate tutor at home, according to the custom of wealthy fam- ilies in those days. Both agree about Norbert's going to the University of Cologne. Norbert's Appearance 5 traordinaiy gifts upon him. Before very long, the Canons advised Norbert's father to send his son to a university. Norbert went to Cologne, where he again so distinguished himself, that when he was twenty years of age, he was looked upon as a scholar. His contempor- aries are unanimous in praising his profound knowledge of philosophy. This solid foundation served him ad- mirably in his later life, when he was called upon to refute the heretical doctrine of the clever Abelard and expose the sophistry of the party of the antipope. He had moreover an inborn eloquence and a wide knowledge of literature, sacred and profane. When we add to all this his noble birth and genteel appearance, we can readily believe that the young Norbert was considered a veritable leader among the rising generation of his day. His biographers agree that he was tall in stature in bearing, graceful and refined, quick and penetrating of intellect, tractable and tender of heart. Thus equipped at the age of twenty, our Saint faced the world at the time of its mediaeval crisis. The two great powers of the civilized world had for years been at open war. The great Pope Hildebrand had died when Norbert was a child of four, and condi- tions were still very much unsettled. Although the right of lay-investiture had been taken away from the Crown although the perfidious Henry had gone to Canossa, in Germany, the old simoniacal practices had long since been resumed. The war between the tem- poral and the spiritual powers, far from being settled, continued as a matter of fact, for more than fifty years, and the Saint himself took an active part in this great struggle and also beheld the triumph of the Church before his death. 6 History of Saint Norbert It might be well to call the reader's attention to the fact that we are now at the beginning of the period of the Crusades. The zealous indignation over the insults and cruelties suffered at the hands of the Turks by Christians in the Holy Land, was just at its height. Great fears were being entertained as to the fate of that valiant army of over half a million warriors, many of whom were of the nobility, who had set out for Asia Minor. And if anywhere, it certainly must have been at the home of Norbert that the movements of the Crusaders were being watched with feverish excitement, since the leader himself, Godfrey of Bouillon, Duke of Lower-Lorraine, was a blood-relation of Norbert 's mother. Although it is but insinuated in some biog- raphies, it seems quite probable that, when on July 15th of that same year the news came from the Holy Land that Jerusalem was captured and that Godfrey had been proclaimed its King, Norbert 's enthusiasm to join the army of the Crusaders was thoroughly aroused. How very natural to picture this accomplished young man, in the vigor of youth and full of ambition, plead- ing with his father and mother to be allowed to join the holy army and win fame by setting free the Holy Places and driving out the Turks. However, his virtuous par- ents, mindful of the heavenly warning given before his birth, had decided to lead Norbert into God 's sanctuary. Not that they lacked the general enthusiasm, for his illustrious father, the Count, died a Crusader in the Holy Land. His younger brother Erbert, in a later expedition, is said to have lost his life under the walls of Tyre, in Palestine, 6 but Norbert was, in their opinion, e Thus the Necrology of Xanten and Ploreffe. Norbert at the Court in Cologne 7j destined to become a "Cleric." Whether or not his parents had selfish motives in this determination, it is im- possible to say. Some biographers are inclined to think they had, first because it was customary in those days to have at least one son a "Cleric;" secondly, on account of Norbert's subsequent behavior. Norbert was ordained subdeacon by the Archbishop of Cologne, his Ordinary, and forthwith appointed to a Canonry in the Imperial Church at Xanten. It was not unusual in those days to meet canons who were not yet elevated to the dignity of the priesthood. Many clerics were given a canonry through the influence of some friend, or on account of their exalted station in life, and derived rich emoluments from it. We should not forget that we are in the beginning of the twelfth century, when, as Cardinal Newman says: "The Chris- tian world was in a more melancholy state than it ever had been, either before or since." Any one acquainted with the struggle of lay-investiture will readily under- stand the truth of this statement. Norbert did not remain very long a canon at Xanten. The Archbishop, hearing of his natural talents and learning, invited him to come to live at his Court in Cologne. Alas! our worldly-minded Norbert, blinded by ambition, obeyed with great eagerness. Soon misled by the flattery of the world, he allowed himself to be entirely carried away by its pleasures and allurements. He forgot the lessons of his pious mother and the ob- ligations of his state in life, and became thoroughly worldly. True, he was living at the Court of an Arch- bishop, but as in those days bishops and abbots often filled the post of Chancellor or Ambassador at the various courts, so also worldly chancellors and ambas- 8 History of Saint Norbert sadors often filled episcopal sees, or were placed at the head of monasteries. Consequently a worldly spirit pre- vailed even at the court of many a Church dignitary. In regard to the Court of Cologne in particular, a panegyrist of Norbert has said that there especially the Church and the world made their display successively. We can readily understand how well the young Count was received at the Court. His nobility, his learning and graceful bearing, made him a favorite with all, especially when he showed his eagerness to join in their amusements. Still, to do him justice, we feel obliged to add here, that however worldly he was, Norbert never gave himself over to the sinful excesses of those days. Even his greatest enemies, who after his conversion, did all in their power to counteract his influence, never ac- cused him of having been guilty of any great sin or scandal. On the other hand, we cannot deny that at this time Norbert 's eyes and ears were open only for things of the world, that he was ambitious and fond of honors. Says the author of the Office of St. Norbert: Yet worldly glory wooed thy heart, And thou, of noble race, didst turn Away from thine eternal part To seek the fair, false lights that burn In royal halls of earth. ... 7 Norbert succeeded in obtaining a second ecclesiastical preferment, a canonry in the cathedral of Cologne, besides other benefices, by which he was enabled to in- crease his income. But growing dissatisfied at the court 7 Hymn at Matins. Cfr. Manual of Third Order of St. Nor- bert, p. 66. Norbert's First Journey to Rome 9 of the Archbishop, he did all in his power to enter that of the Emperor, to whom he was related through his father. The Emperor was Henry V, who came to the throne, Dec. 25, 1105, having forced his father to abdi- cate. Henry was a bitter opponent of Pope Paschal II. Nevertheless, his gay court tempted our young canon, which fact alone shows sufficiently how far Norbert had drifted. Caesaris hinc juvenem favor alUcit, inde Voluptas, Addictum studiis dum tenet aula suis.* By what intrigue he succeeded we do not know, but very soon Norbert was installed as chaplain and al- moner of the Emperor himself. In the capacity of al- moner he was present at the Imperial Diets, and was one of the immediate councillors of His Majesty. Thus we read that at the Diet of Ratisbon, held on Epiphany day, 1110, Norbert spoke in the name of the King. He did this with such eloquence and conviction, that he was designated by the votes of the most prominent men of the kingdom, to accompany the Emperor on his expedi- tion to Rome; truly a great honor, but by no mieans an enviable one, when we consider the Emperor's mission. Pope Paschal II had refused to restore to Henry the right of Investiture. Henry " 7 s first object, therefore, in going to Rome was, as his ambassadors themselves ex- pressed it, to decide the question by the sword, if neces- sary. His second object was to receive the Imperial Crown from the hands of the Pope. Norbert 's part in this woeful expedition was to assist Henry in coming to terms with the Pope. From Florence, where the Em- 8 Royal favor and luxury attracted the youth who had tasted court life at the palace of the archbishop. 10 History of Saint Norbert peror spent Christmas, that year, the conditions of the Coronation were arranged by letter as follows : 11 On the day of the coronation, Henry shall make in "writing a renunciation of all right of Investiture of ' * churches. He shall pledge himself by oath to the Pope, "in the presence of the clergy and people, to its strict "observance. He shall swear to leave the churches in "the peaceful enjoyment of their property. He shall "confirm the Holy See in the possession of its estates "and fiefs, after the example of Charlemagne and other ' ' predecessors. On these conditions the Pope will crown "Henry V and acknowledge him as Emjperor. He will "assist him to maintain his authority in Germany, and "forbid the bishops to usurp the 'regales,' or do any- " thing prejudicial to the rights of the prince." 9 We have reason to fear that when these terms were duly drawn up and signed by both parties, Norbert prided himself on his successful diplomacy, not knowing the false character of Henry. At first everything pointed to real success. The king entered Rome, pre- ceded by an immense multitude of people bearing green boughs, palms and flowers. However, when Henry was required to sign the document, he proved false, and boldly refused to give up the right of Investiture. It was on this occasion that one of the most shocking scenes related in history took place within the very walls of St. Peter's. The outcome of it all was that Henry was 9Cfr. "General History of the Catholic Church," by J. E. Darras, Vol. Ill, p. 181. The same author also observes that what is here meant by "regales" are the temporal rights and fiefs, which flowed, as such from the suzerainty of the king. Pope Paschal II. Yields to Henry V. 11 forced to flee from Home, but he dragged the venerable Pontiff along as his prisoner, and for two months the Pope was subjected to fearful threats and cruel treat- ment. Norbert, now realizing the baseness of the king's ac- tion, exerted his influence to obtain the release of the Pope and to restore peace between the two sovereigns, but all in vain. He visited the Pope in prison, consoled him in his distress and appeared greatly shocked at the king's violence and injustice. He is also said to have thrown himfeelf at the feet of the august prisoner and implored his pardon. That this incident made Norbert turn seriously into himself, we know from his subse- quent conduct. As yet, however, he was too ambitious, too much of a courtier to listen to the inner voice of his conscience and forsake the unjust cause of the king alto- gether; still we shall presently see signs of an inward struggle. History informs us that, overcome by the entreaties of many bishops, and fearing a new schism in the Church, Pope Paschal II at last yielded, and signed a treaty by which he conceded to Henry the right of in- vesting bishops by ring and crozier. On his return journey, Henry wanted to make use of his privilege at once, and offered the Archbishopric to his Chancellor, and the Bishopric of Cambray to his chaplain and almoner, Norbert. Strange to say, Norbert refused. The king's offer was tempting, for the Bishopric of Cambray was a very important see and yielded a large revenue; but Norbert had changed. Although he lacked the courage at the time to lead the life of an exemplary cleric, his upright character had been shocked by the late acts of the king, and thus at the 12 History of Saint Norlert risk of losing Henry's favor, he declined the honor. Attached to honors he was, but nothing could ever have induced him to accept the ring and the crozier from an excommunicated layman. On the other hand, it is strange that even after this event, Norbert does not en- tirely sever his connection with court-life. True, after returning from Italy, he left the Court of Henry, but re- turned to that of the Archbishop of Cologne. He had either offended the king by declining his offer, and thus lost his favor, or perhaps he no longer dared, even tacitly, approve of his perfidious conduct. At any rate the change did not affect his manner of living. But lo! These halls are trembling 'neath the power Of Him Who stoops to thee, to show Thou shalt be His. Alas! that hour Thou 'rt faltering still. The voice of fame, Its flattery, in thine ear is sweet. (Office of St. Norbert.) Norbert plunged into society, took part in all amuse- ments, and seemed to be leading a life even more worldly than before. He was so thoroughly enslaved by the world at this time, that nothing short of a miracle could change this ambitious Saul into a second Paul. CHAPTER II. NORBERTS CONVERSION. 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, 1 Norbert, bent upon pleasure, was oaa 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. Sud- denly 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, how- ever, 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 i According to Ch. Louis Hugo's MS. Hagiolog. Ord. Praem. Norbert's conversion took place on May 28. 13 14 History of Saint Norbert of lightning tore up the earth at the very feet of Nor- bert '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 mo- ment before his mind. Realizing the great danger he had just escaped, and thoroughly frightened at the con- dition of his soul, Norbert exclaimed with the Apostle : "Lord, what wilt Thou that I do?" At the same mio- ment a voice from heaven sounded in his ear, saying: 1 i Turn away from evil and do good ; seek after peace and pursue it." ! 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 lu'bricum, quod male trivit, iter.s 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 2 Cfr. Acta SS. T. XX, p. 802. s At once the Novice turns away from the dangerous road which he has foolishly been treading, and flies eagerly to the sanctuary. Norbert in Solitude 15 years the most authentic souvenirs of our Saint have centered. 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 appoint- ments, 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 predes- tined 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 wis- dom, had allowed all this for reasons best known to Him- self ; but now His hour had come. After spending days and nights in tears and prayers, asking God for guidance and strength in his good reso- lutions, 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 peni- tential 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 4 Cfr. "Die Victorskirche zu Xanten," s. 167. 16 History of Saint Norbert Saul of Tarsus. Certainly no one can fail to see the striking resemblance. The road to Freden was for Nor- bert 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 Ehine, 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 centre 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 ar- rival, was to unburden his heart by a sincere and humble confession. Tears flowed freely while he re- lated 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 the Almighty with all confidence and fervor to 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. Norbert is Tempted 17 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 Nor- bert not felt these attacks keenly. However, he stood firm. Inexperienced soldier as he was in the great spiritual bat- tle, he went with all his temptations and difficulties to his commander, Abbot Conon, asked his advice and fol- lowed 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 for- mer 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-mas- tery under the prudent guidance of his spiritual father. Meanwhile the time was drawing near when the Arch- bishop of Cologne was accustomed to hold his ordina- 18 History of Saint Norbert tions. We know that the Saint had long since been or- dained 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. In- formed of the great change which had taken place in Norbert, he called him into his presence and said : { l In- deed, 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 A.postles ; it is the hour of the inspiring ceremony of sol- Norbert 's Ordination to the Priesthood 19 emn ordination. The church is richly decorated ; the Or- dinandi, 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 cour- tier ! 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 noij 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 a/11 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 multi- tude, 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 20 History of Saint Norbert liturgical vestments over this simple tunic, he goes to the altar and presents himself for Ordination. 5 Thy robes of princely state are spurned; The court, its pomps, its gilded strife, Are thine no more, for higher love Has fortified thy glowing heart. . . . (Office of St. Norbert.) The crowd, breathless, especially those who were ignor- ant of the happenings on the road to Freden, could not believe their own eyes. "Who would ever have thought it ? " they said, ' l this is truly a miracle ! ' ' Meanwhile, in the sanctuary, the Holy Ceremony was proceeding. ' ' Re- ceive 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 him- self, to become the minister of God a priest of the Most High. . . . ! His sentiments on this sacred oc- casion are expressed, however imperfectly, in these his own words: ' ' 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, Sacerdos? nihil et omnia. "0 Sacerdos cave ne tibi, quod Christo patienti, "dicatur: Alios salvos fecit, seipsum non potest "salvum facere." s Pellibus agninis gemmis auroque nitentem Permutat populo Mysta stupente togam. In the third chapter of the Vita B we read : "Notus, ut puta- batur, omnibus; sed ignotus, ut rei veritas se habebat, univer- sis . . . innuit sibi praesentari pelliceum agninum . . . viden- tibus universis consortibus . . . pristinae levitatis . . etc. The Dignity of the Priesthood 21 "0 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 1 ' art nothing. What then art thou, Priest ? Nothing "and everything. 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 Ru- pert, a saintly man, and the learned author of a beauti- ful book on the ceremonial of the Mass. It was largely through his influence that our Saint conceived so pro- found 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 22 History of Saint Norbert 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. ."0 day, forever memorable in the annals of religion!" exclaims one of the Saint's pane- gyrists. ' ' Overcome by a holy enthusiasm, Norbert sus- ' 'peiided the sacred function and, burning with love for "souls, mounted the pulpit and delivered a most power- 1 ' f ul 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." 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 re- forming 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 remon- strances nor to silence him, some left the chapter-house while others became most insulting. Instigated by the e Migne T. LIII, p. 347. Panegyric of St. Norbert, preached in Paris on the llth and the 17th of July, 1763. Norbert's Zeal for Reform 23 latter, a young cleric of low birth even spat in his face. 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. 7 Cfr. Vita A, Ch. II. CHAPTER III. THE PENITENT. Argenti vilescit honos, nimiumque cupitas Prodiga Norberti dextera spargit opes. Despising worldly goods, Norbert with a lavish hand bestows all he has upon the poor. The three years following his ordination were for the greater part spent in solitude on a high mountain, called ' ' Fiirstenberg, " near Xanten. They are termed the for- mation-period of his religious life. As the shining marble of Paros and Carrara, the same in substance as common limestone, is fashioned in secret by the wonder- working hand of nature; as the sparkling diamond, identical in composition with charcoal, receives its mar- velous crystalline structure in nature's own secret lab- oratory so has it often pleased God, to form the saint from the sinner under His divine action in solitude, by prayer and meditation. There was a little chapel on the Fiirstenberg, which had long been entirely deserted. This Norbert arranged for his new dwelling. Here he mortified his body by fasting and discipline; here he offered daily the Holy Sacrifice, and spent most of his nights as well as days in prayer. . . . Then with fasts, With scourges, and with iron chain, Thou 'It seek to expiate the past, And heal, with care, the former pain Thy pride inflicted. . . . Occasionally he would come down from his Thabor to preach to the people or to visit the Abbot of Siburg, 24 Norbert Meets with Opposition 25 who still continued to be his spiritual adviser. He had now become accustomed to rely on Abbot Conon for spiritual direction, and in the many trials sent by God at this time to arm him for the future battle, the abbot 's help was indispensable to Norbert. One of his greatest trials at this period must have been his inability to preach to the people in the church at Xanten. We are informed that on one occasion when Norbert was on his way to Siburg and wished to deliver a sermon to the people of Xanten, he was actually driven from the church by his former colleagues. Like all re- formers, he was disliked by most of the canons, and even hated by some. At their instigation the enemies of Norbert, all former friends, had formed a party, a clique we might say, whose only object was to oppose and per- secute in every way the innovator, as Norbert was called by them. However, though they prevented him from speaking to the people, he nevertheless continued fear- lessly to address the canons themselves at every oppor- tunity, in private as well as in public. Needless to say that he thus found numerous occasions for the practice of many virtues. When, for instance, they reproached him, calling him a newcomer, a convert of a day. . . . etc., he found therein a reason for increasing his spirit- ual and penitential exercises, hoping by these means and by the grace of God, to become a trained soldier in God's army in a short time. He was persuaded that his constant example and unwavering virtue would be more convincing than his preaching. Virtue, in fact, always triumphs even where the most powerful and eloquent sermons have miserably failed. With this end in view he began to walk about bare- footed, even in the midst of winter, wearing only 26 History of Saint Norbert his sheepskin tunic and penitential cape. In accordance with the strictest observance of earlier Christianity, he also began to observe, the whole year around, the fast and abstinence of the Lenten season. Except on Sun- days, he took no meal till evening, and by his austerity became another St. ' John the Baptist. His daily life became a most powerful and continual sermon, which no one was able to prevent, and which, Norbert reasoned, was bound to succeed. But human nature is ever the same, and to see a man strictly perform duties in which we ourselves fail, is for us a constant rebuke. Soon, through real spite, did the enemies of Norbert look for an occasion to take their revenge. But let us turn from them for the moment to follow Norbert on one of his excursions to Abbot Conon of Siburg. The monks of this abbey were very strict in the observance of their rule, and Norbert loved to listen to their singing the divine praises. He often joined them in their diligent study of Holy Scripture, and made great progress in the knowledge of God's "Word. But his greatest attraction was the abbot, whose exemplary life always stimulated him to persevere in his good reso- lutions. To spend some time in his presence, and to be able to see him and to converse with him, worked like an inspiration on our Saint. After these visits, as he him- self later testified, long fasts and severe discipline lost even their natural repugnance, and the nights spent in prayer were full of heavenly consolation. . . . for higher love Has fortified thy glowing heart, And, barefoot, through the snow thou 'It move As one all heedless of the smart Of scorn and insult. Norbert at Rolduc 27 His returns to the abbey were therefore quite fre- quent. Another pious diversion in his solitude was his frequenting a grotto near Rolduc, which he visited on his way to the Canons Regular of that place. He often spent some time in the abbey, where the clerics were still in their first fervor. The abbey had been founded in 1104 by St. Ailbert, of noble birth, who had for some time been connected with the cathedral chapter of Tournay, in Belgium. After his ordination, being anxious to lead a more perfect life, he had come to this place and founded a monastery. He, like Norbert, also went barefooted, and with his companions led a strictly apostolic life according to the rules of St. Augustine. These two Saints, in fact, became very much attached to each other, and as we shall see later, Norbert took St. Ail- bert 's abbey as a model, in founding his order. Norbert loved especially to offer the Holy Sacrifice in the above-mentioned grotto. One day, at the moment of the Consecration of the Chalice, a large spider fell into the Precious Blood. In those days spiders were generally considered poisonous, as, In fact, the old Eng- lish name : attercope, attyrcoppe, literally poison-cup, still indicates. The Saint knew perfectly well what the rubrics of the Mass allow on such occasions, but his biog- raphers explain, such was his reverence for the Precious Blood, that at the time of the Communion, resigned to die at the foot of the altar, he consumed the Precious Blood containing the venomous insect. But God Who watched over his servant, rewarded his lively faith by instantly relieving him of the dangerous insect. "This fact," adds the contemporary author of the Life of St. Norbert, "shows how lively was his faith and how great God's goodness towards him.' 7 "Two special virtues/ 7 28 History of Saint Norbert continues this same biographer, "were necessary to en- able him to do the work for which God had destined him : patience and faith. Patience served as a shield, lest be- ing unarmed he should yield ; faith, for strength, lest be- ing too weak, he should fail. ' ?1 Doubtless at this time, he was endowed with other virtues, but faith was his characteristic virtue; by it he wrought many miracles, and it animated all he did. It was a common saying that faith excelled in Norbert, charity in Bernard and hu- mility in Milo, Bishop of Therouanne and a disciple of Norbert 2 We now return to our Saint in the period of his spiritual formation. How admirably does divine Provi- dence guide the future Founder of a religious Order! Thus far God has led him through the canonical life at Xanten has made him acquainted with monasticism in the monastery of Abbot Conon has directed him to St. Ailbert, who with his disciples was leading the life of the Apostles, and lastly, that Norbert might know the eremitical life, He leads him to the hermit Ludolph, a man of great sanctity and extreme austerity, who lived at Bedburg. Ludolph 's object in life also was to reform the people by first reforming the clergy, and so, like Norbert, he must bear insults and injuries. We are not surprised to learn that Norbert and Ludolph became sincere friends, for like aim$ invariably draw souls close together. There is surely no ground for the supposition that 1 Cfr. Vita B. Ch. VI. Also Hugo, "Histoire de St. Norbert," p. 23, who quotes a manuscript history of the abbey of Klos- ter-Rath. 2 Ibidem. SANCTVS NORBER.TVS i' Preenumftra-tcitfium. Cawjucorum Oriims tcsutnatrus et Parens , jlittan ^4" "*' Engraving by Theodore Gallus (1622). BY FAITH AND PATIENCE. Canonical Life in the Eleventh Century 29 Norbert had at this time the faintest idea of founding a religious Order. Still, since his aim was "reform," he, being a Canon, must have felt himself drawn into the reform of canonical life, which at that time was tak- ing place. History informs us that about the eleventh century canonical life was given up by the clergy in many churches, and thus we read of the distinction which henceforth was made between those clerics who lived by themselves in separate houses and others who still adhered to the old discipline. The former were called "Canonici saeculares," the latter " Canonic! regulares," and these names have ever since distin- guished them. We shall refer to this again in the sec- ond volume. When we accompanied Norbert on his visits to Siburg and Rolduc, or found him in company with Ludolph, we saw him constantly exposed 'to the vilest abuse by his former colleagues of Xanten. His strict fasts and long vigils had emaciated his body, and the study of the lives of saints added to constant prayer and meditation, had so spiritualized our Saint, that his mere appearance among his former friends was now a sufficient excuse for a new outbreak. It must be remarked, however, that they never reproached his former life. Worldly Norbert had been, but no one ever accused him of having led a scandalous life. What mostly roused his opponents was the fact that Norbert, only a short time before one with them, was now trying to be their reformer. They refused to believe that his conversion was sincere, notwithstanding the numerous proofs he constantly gave of his sincerity. Also his success in preaching made him a number of enemies. Norbert, as we know, was very anxious to preach. He lost no oppor- 30 History of Saint Norbert lunity of ascending the pulpit, where he spoke with real eloquence. He was considered one of the most elo- quent speakers of his day, and immense crowds gathered to listen to him. How. much good he effected by his preaching we know from the Annals of those days, espe- cially of the year 1117, when one calamity succeeded an- other, so that the end of the world was generally thought to be at hand. "The most learned men of the time," thus says Baronius in his Annals, "looked upon the enormities of sin and the calamities of the age as signs of the coming of the Antichrist and the end of the world." 3 Norbert 's success in preaching, added to his austere life, at last led his enemies, no longer satisfied with ill- usage, to discredit him in the eyes of his ecclesiastical superiors. The clique which had been formed some time previous, now began to work in earnest and systematic- ally, trying to find evidence against him. Well may one of the early historians compare their work to a coming thunderstorm, when small and insignificant clouds are gathering together to darken a clear sky. The mo- ment was near at hand when their petty accusations, heaped together, were to burst forth like the thunder and lightning of a heavy storm. Apparently unconscious of what was going on around him, Norbert kept up his good work, preaching by word and example and bringing a number of sinners back to God. The Annals of Cleves give us an interesting de- tail of his missionary zeal at this very time. At Lunen, s That Norbert shared this belief we know from one of the letters of St. Bernard. Cfr. Letter LVI, sent to Geoffrey, Bishop of Chartres. See also later, Second Period, Chap- ter X. Brought Before the Council of Fritzlar 31 in Westphalia, there still existed a remnant of the old Saxon paganism, in the form of an idol dedicated to Venus, the evening star, and venerated by the inhabit- ants. In his holy zeal and enthusiasm, Norbert not only broke this idol, but even succeeded in having a church, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, built in its place. 4 At last the storm broke. On July 26th, in the year 1118, Cuno, Cardinal Archbishop of Preneste and Legate of Pope Gelasius II, had assembled an important Na- tional Council at Fritzlar in Lower-Hesse. The object of this Council was to find means to maintain the Pope 's authority in Germany, where it was threatened by Henry V and his antipope, Maurice Bourdin. Present at the Council were a great number of archbishops and bishops, abbots and priests, also many of the most prominent laymen. Norbert 's enemies considered this a fine op- portunity for taking their long-planned revenge. Led by the Canons of Xanten, they appeared at Fritz- lar and demanded that the Council should begin proceedings against the fanaticism of Norbert. The Council gave them a hearing ; and, after considering the matter, judged it wise to have Norbert appear before them in person. His enemies lost no time in bringing him before this tribunal. 5 Norbert, known to nearly all present as the gay cour- tier, the former chaplain of Henry, whose doings are being condemned, now stands before this distinguished assembly ; he is accused of being a religious fanatic. His features are completely changed his body, emaciated from fasting and discipline, is wrapped in a penitential * Annales Cliviae, p. 217. s Cfr. Vita B, Ch. VIII. 32 History of Saint Norbert robe of sheepskin. Calm and dignified, he faces his ac- cusers, who are shouting at him calling him a hypocrite one who cloaks evil designs under the pretext of reli- gious zeal, etc. . . . The Council asks for clear and de- tailed accusations. Ah ! they have plenty, everything is ready. Their first reproach is for having taken unto himself the function of preaching. Who, they ask, has charged him with this mission? Secondly, they ac- cuse him of attacking, in his sermons, the lives of clergy- men, and even of prelates. Is he their ecclesiastical superior ? Furthermore, why should he live like a monk since he is not a member of a religious Order? Why has he put aside the traditional habit of the Canons, and clothed himself in sheepskin? The Saint, remembering his past sins, confessed that he deserved all manner of contempt and ill-treatment, and rejoiced at injuries and afflictions. Nevertheless, reflecting on what he owed to God's honor, he cleared himself of all their calumnies to the entire satisfaction of the judges. 6 Certainly, he might easily have been their -accuser, and charged them not only with the neg- lect of their sacred duties, but with grievous interference in the apostolic labors of a zealous priest. But Norbert no longer knew of any revenge but the revenge of the Saints, namely to suffer and to forgive. Jesus, his Mas- ter, had also been falsely accused, ill-treated and even crucified, and he was trying to resemble that divine Mas- ter as closely as possible. "Calumny," he later repeat- edly told his followers, ' ' is the test of a patient and gen- e It is expressly stated in the Acta SS. and also by Winter, Chron. Gratiae Dei, p. 327, that Norbert had received from his bishop proper jurisdiction to preach. Norbert Leaves His Native Country 33 erous heart, which bears with it rather than to give up working for God. ' ' At the close of this trial, we find that the most eminent men of the Council greatly admired Norbert. The Arch- bishops of Cologne, of Mainz, of Munich, and even the Legate himself, did not fail to see that the underlying cause of all these various accusations was the sting of rebuke caused by Norbert 's virtuous life, and his zeal for bringing about a much-needed reform among the clergy. The Legate therefore advised Norbert to present himself to the Holy Father and ask for general jurisdic- tion, in other words, permission to preach everywhere. That the Saint had privately spoken with the Legate after the Council, seems very probable from his subse- quent conduct. From that time on Norbert put away his sheepskin and began to wear a woolen cassock. In this he is said to have acted on the advice of the Legate. Later we shall find Norbert introducing into his Order, customs which up to that time were new to Canons, ex- cepting those whom Cuno had helped to found. 7 Leaving Fritzlar, Norbert again returned to Xanten, but he was not to remain there long. Persecuted on all sides, and misunderstood by those for whose conversion he had sacrificed his life, the Saint sought his consola- tion at the foot of the Cross. There, after some days and nights alone with God, we find him taking a most unexpected resolution. He decides to leave his native country. Since the day of his ordination, he had done all in his power to change the conduct of clergy and people, but without great results. He fully realized that no prophet is acceptable in his own country. Instead of 7 Cfr. Bollandists, Jan. 13th, p, 112, 113. 34 History of Saint Norlert bringing about the reform he had hoped for, his preach- ing and mode of living seemed to make conditions worse. He therefore decided not to give up his work, but to change his field of labor, and after the example of St. Gregory of Nazianz, to satisfy the wishes of his enemies and to depart. "If on my account, " he said, ' ' the whole diocese is upset ; if my words, instead of edi- fying, are but the cause of scandal and strife, for the welfare of my diocese I will go away." He went to Cologne and resigned all his ecclesiastical preferments into the hands of his Archbishop. It was in vain that Archbishop Frederic endeavored to have him change his decision. As later events will abundantly prove, he was specially guided in this by divine Providence. Norbert then sold his estates ;and distributed the money among the poor. The chapel of the Fiirstenberg, where he had spent nearly three years, and which he had gradually converted into something like a mon- astery, together with all the surrounding country be- longing to himself and his brother Herbert, he donated to the Abbot of Siburg, his dearest friend. 8 All he re- served for himself were ten silver marks, a mule, and the sacred vestments and articles necessary for the celebra- tion of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. His numerous s The charter concerning this donation, which was drawn up the following year, is the only place where any mention is made of the family of Norbert. The name of his brother Her- bert is herein mentioned. It must also be observed that in this same charter Norbert is praised by the Archbishop of Cologne as the "Vir ad omne opus bonum paratus." This say- ing of the Archbishop has been the "mjotto" of the Premon- stratensians ever since. Norbert Says Farewell to His Mother 35 servants he had dismissed long before, except two who had begged to be allowed to be near him, and now wanted to follow him. 9 One of these was the servant who had witnessed his miraculous conversion on the road to Freden, which event had made nearly as much impres- sion on him as on Norbert himself. The other was prob- ably the servant who had given him his penitential robes in the cathedral, the day of his ordination. Their names we do not know, but Camus observes that both were devoted to Norbert, and to be with him was all they desired. After the Saint had disposed of all his earthly pos- sessions, he went once more to his native town, now to say farewell to his people. It appears that his father had died before this event, but his pious mother was probably still alive, since there is nowhere any mention of her death before this. No doubt, the saintly woman made the sacrifice most willingly and even joyfully, convinced as she must have been of the saintliness of her son. Finally, stripped of all earthly goods, Norbert, once the wealthy Lord of Gennep, now barefooted, begins his mis- sionary career. This was towards the end of the year 1118. Not knowing whither to go, he abandoned all to divine Providence. Like Abraham he had heard the voice of God in his inner soul : ' ' Go out from thy coun- try and go to the land which I will show thee." He hearkened to that voice and thus became a willing, and hence a powerful, instrument in the hands of God for the welfare of souls and the good of the Church. 9 It would seem that these two servants had also been near him on the Fiirstenberg, but whether they lived with him in his little convent or not is nowhere stated. CHAPTER IV. THE MISSIONARY. 7, Praeco, totum, Gelasius inquit, in orbem; Fac, caleant flammis omnia regna tuis. The Pope commissions Norbert to preach throughout the world and by his burning words to inflame the hearts of the people. Norbert, in appearance a second Peter the Hermit, set out preaching in that same country where, twenty- five years before, Peter had aroused the pebple by preaching the Crusades. As we know, he had been ad- vised by the Papal Legate at the Council of Fritzlar, to present himself to the Holy Father, and this he in- tended to do at the outset. But where in those troubled days was the Pope to be found? A true missionary, Norbert relied entirely on Providence; he went from town to town preaching, hoping on his way, to learn of the Pope's whereabouts. He first arrived at the little town, Huy, situated between Liege and Namur, in Bel- gium. Naturally the people were much surprised to see this poor equipage enter their town; Norbert, bare- footed, his two former servants, and a mule carrying their luggage. Though in appearance beggars, yet in reality they were not, for Norbert had still the ten silver marks which he had kept for himself. He began to realize that to have this money was not only against the spirit of poverty, which they outwardly professed, but also contrary to entire dependence on God's Providence. He reproached himself for lack of confidence in God, and forthwith distributed the ten marks among the poor. 36 Pope Gelasius II is Driven from Rome 37 He considered the mule also an unnecessary luxury, and gave it away. Henceforth he will have absolutely nothing but what is necessary for the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice, and that he is now obliged to carry wherever he goes. Barefooted and begging his daily bread a worthy precursor of St. Francis Norbert thus espouses the poverty of Jesus Christ. His lively faith and unlimited confidence in God are to be from this time his only riches. Pope Paschal II, with whom Norbert, while at the court of Henry in Rome, had come in contact, died in the beginning of this same year. Fearing an interference on the part of Henry, the Cardinals hastily met, and seven days after the death of Paschal elected as his suc- cessor John of Gaeta, who took the name of Gelasius II. This happened on the 24th of January, 1118. On learn- ing of the election, Cencio Frangipani, leader of the German faction, at once seized the new Pope and cast him into prison. Scarcely had the august prisoner been set free, in fact on the very day of his ordination, for the newly elected Pope was only deacon as yet Henry V came to interfere, and Gelasius was obliged to escape under cover of darkness. He landed in Gaeta, his na- tive city, and here he was consecrated. He then went back to Rome, but Cencio Frangipani for the second time laid his sacrilegious hands upon the Lord's anoint- ed. Again the Pope escaped, and this time went to France, the country always devoted to the Papacy. On Nov. 7th, 1118, he stepped upon the shores of Pro- vence, and for a time made his residence in St. Giles, in Languedoc, now in the department of Gard. Here the Holy Father was received with due honor and great en- thusiasm by the good people. 38 History of Saint Norlert In the beginning of the twelfth century news did not travel very fast, so it was some time before the tidings of the Holy Father reached the ears of Norbert. As soon as he had learned that the Pope was in the South of France, he decided to go thither. Winter had well set in at the time, and a most severe one it was. The coun- try was thickly covered with snow and ice. But no obstacles could keep Norbert from fulfilling what he considered his mission, so with his two companions he set out at once. It would be impossible for any one to give an adequate description of the hardships of this journey. Barefooted on cold winter days in a strange country and unac- quainted with its language, begging their daily bread, the little party traveled on foot for seven long weeks. 1 The Saint offered to God the hardships he endured, in expiation of his sins, and his two companions were con- stantly encouraged by his example. At last they were kneeling greatly exhausted, before the relics of St. Giles, thanking God for His protection. St. Giles was a famous shrine, and from all parts of the country pilgrimages were continually made to the venerable tomb of the illustrious solitary of the Flavian valley. Although it was mid-winter at the time of Nor- bert 's arrival, the crowds were unusually large on ac- count of the presence of the august Pontiff. Not one of the vast multitude assembled there recog- nized our humble servant of God. The Saint rejoiced i According to Vanden Elsen, o. c., p. 31, it was at this time that Norbert, while in Lyons, spoke on the Immaculate Con- ception of the Blessed Virgin. Norbert is Made Missionary Apostolic 39 greatly in this, for ever since his conversion, his am- bition was to be unknown and forgotten, except as penitent and missionary. Having satisfied his devotion at the shrine, Norbert proceeded to the Pope's residence and asked to be admitted into his presence. He had no difficulty in obtaining the great favor of a private au- dience, notwithstanding his beggarly appearance. With a heart full of gratitude to God for all His favors, he approached the Holy Father. Throwing himself at the feet of the Pope and shedding an abundance of tears, he made with the greatest humility a general confession of his whole life. He begged the Holy Father to absolve him, and offered to make any satisfaction which the Vicar of Christ might choose to impose on him. When after a long interview Gelasius had come to the knowledge of Norbert 's noble birth, his position at the court, his miraculous conversion, in fact his whole life's history, he expressed his desire to keep Norbert at his own court for the benefit of the Church. 2 Our poor Saint trembled at the very thought of resuming the life of a courtier, even with the Holy Father, and related how he had received the clearest signs from heaven to be a missionary and work for "Reform" among clergy and laity; at the same time he begged on his knees the Pope's leave and blessing to preach the Gospel. Pope Gelasius was anxious to assist the earnest missionary in his apostolic labors, and gave him full faculties to preach the Gospel wherever he judged proper. He gave him a docu- ment also, by which Norbert became a "Missionary 2 Cfr. Madelaine, o. c., p. 91, where an extract is given of the tenth chapter of the Vita B. 40 History of Saint Norlert Apostolic," which means that he could preach in any diocese. 3 Imagine his (immense joy on receiving this great favor. His vocation was thus recognized by the highest authority all his desires were now gratified, and his happiness complete. It is not without reason that several writers consider this event as the beginning of Nor- bert's apostolic career. Thus, for instance, writes An- selm of Havelberg: "In the time of Pope Gelasius there arose a man, by the name of Norbert, who imitated the life of the Apostles, and on account of his zeal and holiness of life, received of the Etonian. Pope Gelasius, special recommendation to preach, in order to check the many abuses in the Western Church. He went preach- ing through the provinces and won a great number of followers. . . ." Burning with zeal for the salvation of souls, Norbert was anxious to make use of the power the Pope had granted him, and soon left St. Giles. Although spring was near, snow and ice still made the roads most diffi- cult for travelers. Still, barefooted, Norbert returned to the North. In many places he was obliged to wade knee-deep through the snow, nevertheless he refused to make a stop even for a day, except for the purpose of preaching. Speaking of this truly heroic journey, the earliest biographer says : ' ' His burning love of God rendered him insensible to cold, and his thirsting after souls made him forget his lack of nourishment and 3 Ibidem., p. 92, where further is quoted the "Chronic, de Mailros," apud Fell. S. S. Rerum Angl., p. 164. An. 1118: Dom- inus Norbertus papam Gelasium adiens officium ab eo praedi- cationis accepit. Also Vita A, p. 448, An. 1118. Norbert at Valenciennes 41 fatigue. ' ' At this time lie still kept up his earlier prac- tice, except on Sundays, of not taking food until even- ing. When not actually traveling he was preaching, and many of his nights were spent entirely in prayer. Passing through Orleans in the beginning of Lent, he was joined by a new disciple, who asked to remain with him and assist in his missionary labors. Thus Norbert, with his two former servants and his new disciple, who was a subdeacon, journeyed on as far as Valenciennes. Here they arrived on the 22d of May, that year the eve of Palm Sunday. The time was, doubtless, very favor- able for the zeal of our apostle, but he was not well con- versant with the French language. What, then, should he do ? That he knew some French, we may safely infer from the fact that he had been preaching on the way, but he had not that mastery of it which this solemn occasion seemed to demand. At first he was quite dis- heartened, but soon we see him in the church, and while there, praying most fervently ; the thought came to him that the Holy Ghost had bestowed upon the Apostles the gift of languages. He thus asked God for the sake of the apostolate and for the benefit of the people, to make them understand his words. Full of confidence in God 's mercies, and with that lively faith so characteristic of him, he. fearlessly mounted the pulpit, and, carried away by holy enthusiasm, preached a most eloquent sermon in his own language. "And oh! wonder," says the biog- rapher of Brandenburg, 4 "his words were received by * Ace. to Madelaine, o. c., p. 94, two codices (Morinensis et Knechtstedenensis) of the Vita B relate here the miracle of "tongues." 42 History of Saint Norbert the people with delight and listened to with the closest attention. ' ' Some historians, relating this incident, say that his appearance and gestures spoke more eloquently than words, and conveyed his meaning. Others, however, and among these his earliest biographers, ascribe the fact to a great miracle, which recalls the first great Pente- cost at Jerusalem. This miracle is also affirmed by so reliable an authority as Bl. Hugh, at that time chaplain of Bishop Burchard, and later Norbert 's best beloved disciple and successor. Moreover, it is a most remark- able fact, that the inhabitants of Valenciennes con- tinued coming in large crowds to listen to him, and begged him to spend some time with them. He suc- ceeded in bringing about a number of conversions, and the people honored him as a truly apostolic missionary. But Norbert had not intended to stay among them. He thought merely to pass through their town on his way to the North, and so did not wish to delay his journey thither. However, it soon appeared to be the will of God that he should remain here longer, where a great trial awaited him. His three companions suddenly became ill, and Nor- bert was obliged to accept the generous offer of hospi- tality which he had previously declined. It is very prob- able that the illness was caused by privation, fatigue and exposure during their long and tedious journey. This must have been the case at least in regard to his two former servants. Their illness showed from the start disquieting symptoms as the fever ran high, and soon Norbert realized that it was question of life and death. "He attended them faithfully," relates a manu- script of the abbey of Vicogne; "he cleansed and nursed Burchard, Bishop of Cambray 43 their sore and emaciated bodies, their feet bruised by ice and frozen snow; he prepared their food which he himself begged from the charity of the faithful, and he waited on them constantly." 5 But his affectionate care could not stay the hand of death, and during the Octave of Easter, after two weeks of suffering, the three helpers of our zealous missionary passed to where suffering is unknown. Norbert himself had administered to them the rites of Holy Church; and aided by him they died fully resigned to the will of God, though they were far from home and in a strange and unknown country. Broken-hearted and worn out by fatigue, Norbert accom- panied their bodies to their last resting place. This trial was all the greater for Norbert, coming at the very out- set of his missionary career. Still his confidence in God was unshaken. With Job he exclaimed: "The Lord hath given, the Lord hath taken, praised be the name of the Lord. ' ' Consoled by this thought, he had the bodies of his faithful companions buried with great honor amidst a large concourse of people. During these weeks of suffering and anxiety, while Norbert had been busy nursing his sick companions, a most providential circumstance occurred. Burchard, the Bishop of Cambray, a sincere friend of Norbert, had made his entrance into the village. Burchard had, for the past three years, been Bishop of Cambray, which see, as we remember, had been offered first to Norbert by the Emperor Henry, on his return journey from Rome, but which Norbert at the time declined to accept. Burchard and Norbert had known each other a long s Cfr. Charles Louis Hugo, "Annales Ordinis Praem." Book I, p. 34. 44 History of Saint Norbert time at the court of Henry, and had always been sincere friends. Feeling at this time the special need of a trusted friend, our Saint went to pay his respects to the Bishop. He arrived at the Bishop 's residence, met one of the chaplains, and asked