Saint Norbert of Xanten

I was born in the German town of Xanten in a high-ranking family with ties to the imperial court. When I was young I showed intelligence and sophistication. After I joined the ranks of the clergy, I was ordained as a subdeacon. Then I was enrolled as a canon in my town, with the obligation to sing the office daily. I also accepted an appointment to serve as the almoner of the German Emperor Henry V. At that time, I was only interested in a luxurious life, and I did not take my prayer seriously. My life changed instantly when I almost got killed by a lightning bolt whilst on horseback. Sobered by this experience, I left my imperial post and began a period of prayer and discernment in a monastery. I felt very sorry for my earlier attitude to life, in which there was no proper place for God. Aged 35, I heard God calling me to the priesthood. Pope Callixtus II permitted me to become a preacher and even asked me to found a new religious order. Against my will, I was elected Archbishop of Magdeburg, and I did what I could to refom my diocese. I died on 6 June, 1134.