Main Stream: Canons

The charism of the Norbertine Canonesses is rooted in the apostolic and communal expression of the Rule of St. Augustine, shaped by the reforming spirit of St. Norbert of Xanten. From the beginning, Norbert sought to recapture the spirit of the early Church as described in the Acts of the Apostles, where the faithful “devoted themselves with one accord to prayer.” Women were welcomed from the order’s foundation to live this canonical life in community, dedicating themselves especially to common liturgical prayer (including the Divine Office), Eucharistic devotion, and service to the Church and neighbor. The Norbertine canonesses blend contemplative prayer with pastoral outreach, living a life of communion, charity, and joyful service in imitation of Christ’s own apostolic life.

The Premonstratensian Order was founded in 1120 by St. Norbert of Xanten at Prémontré, France, as a reform of canonical life that combined aspects of monastic stability with apostolic ministry. Norbert adopted the Rule of St. Augustine, enriched by a commitment to common prayer, the solemn celebration of the Eucharist, and pastoral outreach. Women were received into the order almost immediately, with the first Norbertine canoness, Ricvera of Clastres, professing vows in 1121, reflecting Norbert’s conviction that women should share fully in the canonical way of life. Over the centuries, Norbertine communities expanded across Europe and later worldwide, living the canonical life in cloistered or active forms. The order was formally approved by Pope Honorius II in 1126 and grew rapidly through the Middle Ages, embracing both contemplative and apostolic dimensions of Christian life.

Norbertine Canonesses of the Bethlehem Priory of St. Joseph ✉️ bethlehemprioryofstjoseph@gmail.com (USA community)