The Norbertine Order is a federation of independent canonries. The Norbertine monks and nuns live according to the Rule of St. Augustine and focus on community life, liturgical prayer, preaching and pastoral care. They do so according to their motto 'Ad omne opus bonum paratus': prepared for every good work. Wherever a member of the order lives or works, he or she is always committed to promoting the community aspect of (church) life.
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Who are the Norbertines?
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The history of the Norbertine Order
The beginnings of the Norbertine Order lie with the first profession of St. Norbert and his followers on Christmas Day 1121 in the northern French town of Prémontré. There, Norbert wanted to found an order according to the ideal of the Gregorian reform: the vita apostolica. This reform was built on the idea of evangelical poverty and communal life.
In the following years, dozens of monasteries and abbeys were established thoughout Europe. Several abbeys were founded by Norbert himself. Communities of nuns also joined the order. After 900 years, the Order of Prémontré had a presence on almost every continent.
Norbertine spirituality
Norbertine monks and nuns, like all other monks and nuns, share the vocation and mission to bear witness to a life according to the gospel in a special way. They do so according to the Rule of St. Augustine and the ideals of St. Norbert.
Community life is central, embodied in the concept of communion. Prayer, work, living together and pastoral engagement are all nourished by community life. This happens through the daily celebration of the Eucharist, in which each fellow brother and sister enters into communion with Jesus Christ, and choral prayer. Furthermore, communion is also experienced in living and working together.
Norbertines
worldwide
The Norbertine Order has brothers and sisters all over the world. The Abbot General and the High Council are based in Rome.
25
countries we’re active in
1.300
members worldwide
43
abbeys around the globe
7
abbeys in Belgium