Premonstratensians facts for kids
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Candidus et Canonicus Ordo Praemonstratensis
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Shield of the Premonstratensians
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| Abbreviation | OPraem |
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| Formation | 1120 |
| Type | Catholic religious order |
| Headquarters | Viale Giotto, 27, 00153 Rome, Italy |
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Region served
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Worldwide |
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Membership
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1300 (2012) |
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Abbot General
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Josef Wouters |
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Main organ
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General Chapter |
| Affiliations | Catholic Church |
The Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré is a special group of Catholic religious people. They are also known as the Premonstratensians or Norbertines. In places like Britain and Ireland, they are called the White Canons because of their white robes.
This order was started in 1120 by a man named Norbert of Xanten. He later became an important leader in the church. The Premonstratensians follow rules similar to monks, but they are called "canons regular." This means their work often includes preaching and helping people in churches near their homes. You can tell someone is a Premonstratensian if you see "OPraem" after their name.
Contents
How the Norbertines Started
The Norbertine order began in 1120. Saint Norbert wanted to create a strict way of life for religious groups in Germany. In 1120, he was working in a rural area of France called Prémontré. There, he and thirteen friends started a monastery. This place became the first home of the new order.
They followed the Rule of St. Augustine, which is a set of guidelines for religious life. They also added their own rules to live a very simple and strict life. Their main focus was on praying together and celebrating the Eucharist, which is a central part of Catholic worship.
Growth and Challenges Over Time
In 1126, the Pope officially approved the order. By then, they had nine houses. Soon, many more monasteries were built across Europe. By the mid-1300s, there were about 1,300 monasteries for men and 400 for women! The Norbertines helped spread Christianity in parts of Europe, especially in areas around the Elbe and Oder rivers.
Over the years, some of their strict rules became less strict. This led to new groups forming within the order. The Norbertines arrived in England around 1143. Before King Henry VIII closed many monasteries, there were 35 Norbertine houses in England. They also started communities in Scotland, like Dryburgh Abbey.
Like many religious groups, the Norbertines faced tough times. Wars and revolutions in Europe almost wiped them out. By the early 1800s, only eight houses were left, all in the Habsburg monarchy. But then, they started to grow again! By the early 1900s, they had 20 monasteries and 1,000 priests.
As of 2005[update], the order had grown to nearly 100 monasteries all over the world. In 1893, some Norbertines came to the United States. They started the first Norbertine Abbey in the new world in De Pere, Wisconsin.
What Do Norbertines Do?
Norbertines are canons regular, so they have always been involved in helping people. They often run retreat centers, which are places for spiritual reflection. They also care for pilgrims, who are people traveling for religious reasons. Like many religious orders, they have often run schools.
To support themselves, Norbertine communities have done various jobs over the centuries. These include:
- Printing books and materials
- Farming
- Forestry (managing forests)
- Making cheese
- Working with breweries (like Leffe and Grimbergen)
- Artistic bookbinding
Some have even run an astronomical observatory! In 2015, there were about 1,000 male and 200 female members in the order. They celebrate "All Norbertine Saints and Blesseds" on November 13.
Norbertine Women: The Canonesses
The Norbertine Order also includes groups of women. They are called canonesses, but they are often known as Norbertine nuns. These women live in enclosed monasteries, meaning they live a life mostly separate from the outside world.
Like the men's communities, each women's monastery is independent. It's special that the Norbertine Order has always seen the spiritual life of its canonesses as just as important as that of its priests and brothers. In the Middle Ages, some Norbertine monasteries were "double monasteries." This meant men and women lived in separate areas next to each other but shared the same church building. Today, women's communities often have connections with other women's groups and with communities of Norbertine men.
Their Special Way of Worship
The Premonstratensians have their own special way of celebrating church services, called the Premonstratensian Rite. This rite is known for being very formal and serious. It also focuses a lot on the Paschal mystery, which is about Jesus' death and resurrection.
During the week after Easter, their daily services are especially grand. They often have a procession to the baptismal font, which is a unique practice. Another special tradition is that each Norbertine monastery celebrates a daily Mass in honor of the Virgin Mary.
How the Order is Organized
Norbertine monasteries are mostly independent. This means their daily activities and ways of helping people can be different, depending on what their local church needs. Some houses focus more on quiet prayer, while others are very active in helping people in their communities.
However, all Norbertine communities follow the Rule of Saint Augustine and rules set by the General Chapter. This is a big meeting held every six years. The General Chapter includes representatives from both the male and female communities.
The head of the entire Order is called the Abbot General. He lives in Rome, Italy. He gets help from a high council and special groups that work on things like church services and communication between monasteries.
Norbertine Locations Around the World
As of 2012, there were Norbertine monasteries in many countries, including:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- Czech Republic
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Denmark
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- India
- Ireland
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Peru
- Poland
- Romania
- Russia
- Slovakia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- United States
The order is divided into seven main regions called "circaries." These include:
- Anglica Circary: Includes communities in Australia, England, Ireland, the United States, South Africa, and India.
- Bohemica Circary: Includes communities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
- Brabantica Circary: Includes communities in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Chile.
- Gallica Circary: Includes communities in Belgium, France, Canada, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Germanica Circary: Includes communities in Germany and Austria.
- Hungarica Circary: Includes communities in Hungary and Romania.
- Portuguesa Circary: Includes communities in Brazil and Austria.
Notable Norbertines
Many Norbertines have become famous for their contributions:
- Robert John Cornell (1919–2009): A U.S. Congressman and professor.
- Prokop Diviš (1698–1765): A Czech inventor.
- Werenfried van Straaten (1913–2003): A Dutch priest known for his humanitarian work, especially helping the church in need.
- Johann Zahn (1631–1707): A German canon who wrote about the camera obscura and invented an early camera.
Norbertine Saints and Blesseds
The Norbertine Order also has many saints and blesseds, who are people recognized for their holy lives.
- Saint Norbert (+1134, feast day June 6)
- Hermann Joseph von Steinfeld (feast day May 24)
- Adrian and James of Middleburg, martyrs (+1572, feast day July 9)
- Bronislava of Poland (+1259, feast day August 30)
- Gerlach of Valkenburg (+1172, feast day January 5)
Education and Schools
The Norbertines are very involved in education. St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, United States, is the only college sponsored by the Order. They also support and run other schools or help in parish schools.
Some schools founded or sponsored by the order include:
- Archmere Academy, Claymont, Delaware, US
- Cardinal Gracias High School, Bandra, Maharashtra, India
- St. Michael's Preparatory School, Silverado, California, US
- St. Norbert College, Perth, Western Australia
- Saint Norbert Gymnasium, Gödöllő, Hungary
Images for kids
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Shield of the Premonstratensians
See also
- List of Premonstratensian monasteries in France
- Category:Premonstratensian monasteries in England
