St. Norbert, born at Santen, a town in the duchy of Cleves, about the year 1080, was of the ancient and illustrious house of Gennep, which was allied to the imperial family. From his infancy he was brought up in the practice of virtue, and was a great lover of prayer. Being of a lively genius, and an uncommon memory, he made a rapid progress in his studies. After he had gone through his academical course, he took holy orders, and was made canon of Santen. His good qualities soon recommended him to Henry V. Emperor of Germany, who nominated him his chaplain, and gave him the administration of his almonry. But Norbert, being conscious that he was not sufficiently qualified for so important a charge, declined it for some time, and lived in the court with great modesty and humility. He spent his time in prayer and mortification, and made such a use of the opportunities which his station afforded him, that he became a perfect model of virtue to the whole court. He was so far from being flattered by the emperor's favour, that he used it as a means to detach himself from the world, and to fix his heart entirely on God. He often reflected on the vanity and instability of all earthly things, and the shortness of life, and resolved to consecrate himself entirely to the service of God.

In the year 1115, as he was riding near Santen, a flash of lightning, attended with a clap of thunder, struck the ground before him, and threw him from his horse, without doing him any other harm. He lay for some time senseless on the ground, and when he came to himself, he heard a voice, which seemed to say to him, 'Do evil no more, but turn to God, and do good.' He immediately resolved to obey the heavenly voice, and to quit the world. He went to the monastery of St. Victor, near Santen, and there made a general confession of his whole life. He then resigned his canonry, and all his other benefices, and distributed his goods to the poor. He retired to a solitary place, where he spent his time in prayer and fasting, and in meditating on the divine law. He wore a hair-shirt, and observed a rigorous abstinence. He often went to the churches of the saints, and there poured forth his soul in fervent prayer. He visited the sick, and ministered to their necessities. He comforted the afflicted, and reconciled enemies. He was indefatigable in preaching the word of God, and in bringing sinners to repentance. He travelled through Germany, France, and Belgium, preaching everywhere with great success. He made many converts, and reformed many churches. He was often exposed to great dangers, and underwent many persecutions, but he bore them all with invincible courage and patience.

In the year 1120, he came to Prémontré, a desert place in the diocese of Laon, in France, where he found a small chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Here he resolved to fix his abode, and to found a new order. He was joined by a few disciples, who were animated with the same spirit of fervour and devotion. He gave them the rule of St. Augustine, with some additional constitutions, which he had drawn up by divine inspiration. The principal articles of his rule were, poverty, chastity, and obedience, perpetual abstinence from flesh-meat, and a strict observance of the canonical hours. The habit of the order was white, and the canons were called Premonstratensians, from the place where their first monastery was founded. The order soon spread throughout Europe, and became very flourishing. St. Norbert sent his disciples into different countries, to preach the word of God, and to establish new monasteries. He often visited them in person, and encouraged them to persevere in their holy undertaking. He was a true father to his spiritual children, and spared no pains to promote their salvation. He was a man of great humility, and always preferred others before himself. He was charitable to the poor, and compassionate to the afflicted. He was zealous for the glory of God, and for the salvation of souls.