St. Norbert, founder of the Norbertine Order. At Daylesford Abbey side chapel in Paoli Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia.

According to Give us This Day, when St. Norbert (1080-1134) was appointed archbishop of Magdeburg, (in present day Germany) he arrived in the city barefoot and dressed so poorly, he was first turned away by the palace attendant as a beggar. Upon realizing his mistake, Norbert assured him: “Never mind, dear brother, you judge me more truly than those who brought me here.”

Saint Norbert Painting by Marten Pepijn 1637, oil on panel a O.L. Vrouwekathedraal Cathedral in Antwerp, Belgium.

The Norbertines at Daylesford Abbey are canons regular, (not monks) meaning they service and interact with the community and follow the Rule of St. Augustine. This is why their Spirituality Center programs are so strong and varied, from bringing in world renowned speaker Fr. Richard Rohr to presentations on the spirituality of beekeeping. For some the larger programs, conferences or retreats, the Abbey has 36 rooms for overnight guests. They also have home cooked meals for a nominal cost.

“Jesus I Trust in You” at Daylesford Abbey

Also known as Premonstratensians. Norbert founded the order in the French town of Premontre, northeast of Paris. The Norbertines today sing their prayers in the Divine Office and have a special devotion to the Holy Eucharist. On June 6th, the solemnity of St. Norbert, Daylesford Abbey shares with the community The Office of Vigils, Morning Prayer, Mass with St. Norbert emphasis, and Vespers.

Entrance to Daylseford Abbey complex.

Daylesford Abbey in Paoli, Pennsylvania USA.