Definition of Norbert

For other uses, see St. Norbert (disambiguation).

Saint Norbert of Xanten (c. 1080–6 June 1134) is a Christian saint and founder of the Norbertine or Premonstratensian order of canons regular. He was born at Gennep on the Maas or Xanten on the left bank of the Rhine, near Wesel (historians still bother to find out) and grew up and was educated in Xanten (proven fact). His father, Heribert, Count of Gennep, was related to the imperial house of Germany and the house of Lorraine. His mother was Hedwig of Guise. Ordained as subdeacon, Norbert was appointed to a canonry at Xanten where he lived a life of pleasure. Soon after, he was summoned to the court of Frederick of Cologne and later to that of Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor, where he became the emperor's almoner (a church officer in charge of distributing charity). he avoided ordination to the priesthood and even declined an appointment as bishop of Cambrai in 1113. Following a near-fatal horse-riding accident, his faith deepened and he renounced his appointment at Court. He returned to Xanten to lead a life of penance, placing himself under the direction of Cono, Abbot of Siegburg. In 1115, Norbert founded the Abbey of Fürstenberg, endowed it with a portion of his property, and made it over to Cono of Siegburg and his Benedictine successors. He was ordained to the priesthood soon afterward.