Home > Premonstratensians > The saints and the fundamental texts
Saint Norbert was wholly persuaded that without order or rule, as without the patristic institutions, it was impossible to observe apostolic and evangelical precepts to the full. These aids are provided for us by the Rule of St. Augustine and by the constitution of the Premonstratensian Order and it is from them that the churches of our Order draw inspiration and organisation, in order to live according to the Gospel of Christ and the apostolic institution.
The constitutions remind us in a preamble that “God created man in His image and His likeness according to his essence, which is charity” (l John 4,8). God calls on us to share in the joy of the union and love, which reside in Him. It was in order to perfect that close union that God Himself became man, waiving the rights and dignities which are divine attributes. In fact, in Christ, God came to us as one of us and abased Himself by assuming the condition of a slave... He humbled Himself by being obedient unto death on the Cross. This was why God exalted him (Philippians 2,6.9). By His resurrection, God changed the destiny of mankind; the first of a multitude of brethren among all those who receive Him through faith and charity... He institutes a new brotherly communion by the gift of His spirit in His body, which is the Church, in which all members serve one another, according to their abilities.
In fact, Christ, although rich, made Himself a pauper for our sakes (2 Corinthians 8,9) and became our servant; rather than accept the fortune which was offered to Him, He accepted the Cross (Hebrews 12,2), so as to gather by His love into a single body all those whom sin had scattered. This choice of Christ must be that of His Church and that of every one of us. By His example, Christ has shown the course of human existence, commanding us to live in a like manner: “he who would be the first among you, shall be your servant; the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life for the redemption of the multitude” (Matthew 20,27-28). He who would be a disciple of Christ, must die in order to produce much fruit of charity, otherwise he shall remain alone (John 12,24).
[updated on the 03.11.05]
To subscribe to the Abbey newsletter (in French) post your e-mail address below:
Abbot
Among the Premonstratensians, the abbot is elected by all the professed brethren at a chapter meeting. He may be elected for life with the fixing of an age limit being required, or for a relatively long period which is renewable. (read more)
Legal Mentions | Map of website | Admin | Performance Artégo | RSS