About Us
The History of the Norbertine Order
The Premonstratensian Order, also known as the Canons Regular of Prémontré, was founded by St. Norbert of Xanten in 1121, in the remote valley of Prémontré in northern France. Living according to the Rule of St. Augustine, the Order harmonizes the contemplative rhythm of following a shared rule with the pastoral activity of the Church. At the heart of Premonstratensian life is communio — an intimate union with the three divine persons and a profound fraternal unity expressed in common prayer, shared mission to one another and to God's people, and life in community. For over nine centuries, the Premonstratensians have borne witness to the beauty of this harmony, serving the Church through sacred liturgy, preaching, and the formation of souls.
The Collegium
The first presence of the Premonstratensian Canons in Rome dates from the early XII century, notably at San Alessio. In 1626, a small group of canons from the abbey of Tongelo came to begin to live the life as Collegio San Norberto under the direction of Fr. Cosmas Dillan, the first rector of the college. The scope of the house was to be a place for Premonstratensian Canons to continue to live in the apostolic ideals evident in St. Norbert, founder of the Order, while they pursued philosophical and theological studies in Rome — especially the study of Christ himself, in community. Today, the college continues the tradition of training disciples of Christ in the Premonstratensian tradition.
Our Mission
Nurture deep fraternity through shared prayer, study, and celebration of the Eucharist — a lived expression of the Norbertine charism rooted in the Gospel and Rule of St. Augustine.
Provide a scholarly and spiritual haven for priests and seminarians from around the world, grounding them in the liturgical and pastoral tradition of the Canons Regular.
Maintain daily choral prayer, sacred liturgy, and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, reflecting the Order's commitment to Laus Dei in choro.
Equip residents to serve the Church in preaching, apostolic outreach, and sacramental ministry — the cura animarum that has marked the Order since its early decades.
Anchor its life in over nine centuries of Premonstratensian heritage, offering both stability and spiritual renewal rooted in communal discipline and prayer.
Community Members
Abbot General
Procurator General
Rector
Economo
In Residence
