Founded in Prémontré in 1120 by Norbert of Xanten, the Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré are also known as the Premonstratensians, the Norbertines, or the White Canons, the latter a reference to the color of their habit. As Norbert was a friend of Bernard of Clairvaux, he was largely influenced by Cistercian ideals. The religious Order of Canons Regular of the Catholic Church follows the Rule of Saint Augustine. As the Premonstratensians are Canons Regular, not monks, their work often involves preaching and pastoral ministries, frequently serving in parishes near their abbeys or priories. Prior to founding the Order, he had tried unsuccessfully to introduce a strict form of canonical life in various religious communities in Germany. He established a monastery in a mostly rural place called Prémontré, in the now defunct Ancient Diocese of Laon, in Picardy, northeastern France. Along with the Rule of Saint Augustine, members of his monastery added supplementary statutes requiring a greater degree of austerity. Common prayer and celebration of the Eucharist was to be the dynamic of the community. The Order was approved by Pope Honorius II in 1126, and quickly spread throughout western Europe. The Premonstratensians were among the religious orders with their own rite who kept this rite after Pope Pius V suppressed such rites. The Order played a significant role in the conversion of the Wends, who were West Slavs living near Germanic settlements, and in bringing Christianity to the regions of the Elbe and the Oder rivers. Over time, reforms gave way to semi-independent congregations within the Order. The Order has several abbeys of women who follow the life of an enclosed religious Order, and are commonly known as Norbertine nuns, although technically they are canonesses. Each abbey and priory is autonomous, and exhibit differences in practices and apostolates, with some being contemplative in character while others are active in pastoral ministries.
Recommended Resources
Located in Claymont, Delaware, the private, Catholic, college preparatory academy, for students in grades nine through twelve, was founded by the Norbertine Fathers in 1932. Its mission, heritage, and a strategic plan are published to the site, along with its admissions policies, academic, student life and alumni programs, faculty directory, school calendar, and announcements.
https://www.archmereacademy.com/
Congregation of Norbertine Sisters
The Congregation of Norbertine Sisters in Wilmington, California is part of the Norbertine Order, also known as the Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré, or the Premonstratensians, who live according to the Rule of Saint Augustine and the inspiration of Saint Norbert of Xanten. Their way of life is highlighted, along with vocations, formations process, and photographs.
http://www.congregationofnorbertinesisters.org/
Residing at Saint Norbert Priory in Mananthavady, Kerala, India, the Norbertines of the Stift Tepl in Villingen came to Mananthavady in 1978. A history of the Order and its presence in India is put forth, and a list of Norbertine communities in India is presented. Its ministries, formation process, contacts, and other resources, such as publications of the Order, photographs and video are included.
http://www.mananthavadynorbertines.org/
Norbertine Canonesses of the Bethlehem Priory of Saint Joseph
Established in 1997 by the Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré at Saint Michael’s Abbey in Orange County, California, the Bethlehem Priory is a Roman Catholic community of cloistered religious nuns, and the first community of Norbertine Canonesses in the United States. A profile of the Order is put forth, including its charism, liturgies, and vocations. Its policies on visitations are included.
http://norbertinesisters.org/
Norbertine Fathers - Canonry of Jamtara
An abbey of the Order of Prémontré, Saint Norbert Abbey is home to Catholic priests and students in training for the priesthood, who minister to six states across India, particularly in Jabalpur, Indore, Kollam, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Khunti, Sivagangai, Trichy, Thrissur, and Varanasi, where they are engaged in pastoral work, education, developmental and social work, formation, and communications.
http://www.canonryofjamtara.com/
The Canons Regular of Prémontré, also known as the Premonstratensians, Norbertines, or White Canons, are Roman Catholic priests, brothers, and sisters whose Order was founded by Saint Norbert in the 12th century. A history and profile of the Order is given, along with a list of places in which they are active, significant people within the Order, and a library containing the constitutions and other documents relating to the Order.
http://www.premontre.org/
Situated in Silverado, California, the Norbertine abbey is home to priests of the Order, and seminarians studying for the priesthood. Regular schedules and and a calendar of upcoming programs and events are published to the site, along with an overview of its ministries and projects, information about joining the Order, vocational processes, and ordinations.
https://stmichaelsabbey.com/
Named for a Black African monk from the period of desert Christian monasticism, the Norbertine Priory of Saint Moses the Black is located in Raymond, Mississippi. A history of the Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré and a biography of Saint Moses the Black are put forth, along with the mission and members of the priory, apostolates, and an overview of its peace and justice issues, prayer and liturgy schedules, and vocations.
http://www.stmosestheblackpriory.org/
The Norbertine abbey in De Pere, Wisconsin, as well as the Norbertine Center for Spirituality, situated within the abbey, are highlighted, including several photographs of the building and grounds, a history of the Order, its founder, saints, and other significant members of the Order. The Norbertine formation program, associates, and volunteer opportunities are included, along with a calendar of events and contacts.
https://www.norbertines.org/
Founded in 2004, the community is a canonry of the Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré, also known as Premonstratensians, Norbertines, and the White Canons, located in Chelmsford, Essex, United Kingdom. The history and charism of the Order is set forth, along with a biography of its founder, saints of the Order, its Rule, and a calendar of programs and events, as well as a blog.
http://www.praemonstratensis.co.uk/
The Norbertine Community of New Mexico can sponsor Catholic retreats, conferences, meetings, and other events, including several that are sponsored by the members of the Order. A calendar of programs and events is published to the site, along with an overview of the mission of the Order, and the life of its members who live according to the Rule of Augustine and the traditions of the Order of Premontre.
http://www.norbertinecommunity.org/
