The Canons Regular of Premontre, (The Order of Premonstratensians) also known as The Norbertines, are members of the Order founded by St. Norbert of Xanten on Christmas night, 1121 in the valley of Premontre midway between Laon and Soissons, France. The Order of Canons Regular of Premontre is numbered among the great religious families, which have moulded the culture of Europe through their work of evangelization and civilization. Their way of life is based on the Rules of St. Augustine.
As a fruit of the Gregorian reform, the Order of Premontre exemplifies a life-style, which is both original and traditional. It signals a transition between the ancient monasticism and the mendicant orders, places religious life at the service of the priesthood and above all takes as its model the life of the apostles chosen by Jesus that “they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach” (Mk: 3:14)
Their history, almost nine hundred years long, is still alive and relevant. Political events caused serious setbacks to this order, which once numbered several hundred abbeys in western and central Europe. Nevertheless, the ancient order has put forth-new growth on new hands. At the dawn of the year 2000, the Order of Premontre is present in five continents and still continues the work begun by St. Norbert. The Norbertine Order aims at the practice of the Love of God and Neighbor through solemn celebration of the Liturgy, recitation of the Divine Office in common and by engaging in parochial, educational, developmental and social activities.
( Abbreviation: O. Praem)
Norbertines In India
