Each year on June 6 we commemorate the Feast of St. Norbert, tireless defender of the Gospel and founder of our order.

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This feast day has, of course, long been an important one for our Norbertine community. In recent years, however, a new and joyful tradition has developed: our community uses the happy occasion to host a small festival at the abbey to honor our founder! In addition to Holy Mass and a procession (and blessing!) with relics of St. Norbert, this celebration is a sort of "open house" in which the community can come share in the beauty of Abbey life.

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This year's festivities were a particular blessing, because they coincided with the First Professions of Fr. Angelo, Fr. Matthias, and Fr. Herman Joseph. In front of Fr. Abbot and in the company of a congregation that filled our abbey church to capacity, these men took the next step toward becoming full members of our community.

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Following Holy Mass and the procession, guests were invited to the courtyard to enjoy festive foods, beer brewed our Norbertine community, and live entertainment. What a gift this feast was for our community! Hospitality is a true hallmark of Christian society, and time spent in the company of faithful men and women is a real foretaste of the joy of heaven.

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As we continue to settle into our abbey home--it is three years, now, since the dedication of the church--we take real delight in the new and beautiful traditions that are developing, and we expect this annual celebration to continue for years to come. St. Norbert, pray for us!