(c.1080-1134) Saint Norbert was born to nobility in what is now Germany and took Holy Orders only to advance a career while working for the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry V. In his mid-30s, after a life of luxury and pleasures, Norbert was nearly killed by a lightning bolt and started taking being a Benedictine seriously. He had a radical conversion, felt a call to the priesthood, gave away his wealth, and received permission from the Pope to work as an itinerant preacher. Soon, he founded an order that helped reform the clergy, which is now called the Norbertines. Saint Norbert also helped heal a potential schism alongside Saint Bernard of Clairvaux.
Sometimes a “rock bottom” inspires a life-change, sometimes a literal lightning bolt provides the “gift of desperation.” In recovery, we reflect often on the desperation that drove us to commit to change, and how our Higher Power was always in control, even though we were in chaos.
“You will never enjoy the sweetness of a quiet prayer unless you shut your mind to all worldly desires and temporal affairs” (Saint Norbert).