Mananthavady: The St. Norbert Priory in Mananthavady echoed with solemn hymns and heartfelt devotion as the Norbertine community celebrated the Feast of St. Norbert, their founder and patron, with deep spiritual fervor and communal unity. The celebration, held on June 6th, was not just a liturgical observance but a meaningful occasion to revisit the life and mission of the 12th-century saint whose legacy continues to inspire the order across continents and centuries.
The day commenced with a solemn Holy Eucharist at the Priory Church, presided over by the esteemed Prelate, Fr. Dr. Jose Murickam O. Praem. In his homily, Fr. Jose illuminated the life of St. Norbert as a reformer marked by radical conversion, unwavering love for the Eucharist, and a life rooted in sacrificial service. The Mass, attended by priests, religious, seminarians, and lay faithful, was deeply meditative, drawing the congregation into the spirit of the saint whose spiritual vision laid the foundation of the Norbertine Order.
Following the Mass, the celebration seamlessly flowed into a reverent Eucharistic Procession within the church premises. Led by Fr. Santhosh O. Praem, the procession was marked by incense, sacred hymns, and reflective silence, centering hearts and minds on the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament — a devotion that St. Norbert passionately championed during his lifetime. This act of liturgical homage not only honored Christ but also reaffirmed the community’s fidelity to the Eucharistic core of Norbertine spirituality.
As the day transitioned into evening, the community gathered once more for the Solemn Evening Prayer, a contemplative liturgy steeped in psalms, scripture, and thanksgiving. This quiet hour of reflection offered the faithful a moment to internalize the grace received and the call to holiness that St. Norbert’s example still radiates.
Adding a vibrant cultural and catechetical dimension to the celebration, the Norbertine brothers presented a dramatic stage play titled “DANIEL”, which brought to life the trials, faith, and miraculous deliverance of the prophet Daniel. The play, marked by powerful performances and symbolic staging, struck a deep spiritual chord with the audience. The narrative of Daniel’s unwavering trust in God in the face of persecution mirrored the courage and spiritual resilience that characterized St. Norbert’s life, especially during his efforts to reform a lax clergy and uphold ecclesiastical integrity.
The Feast Day concluded on a high note of inspiration and renewed purpose. The blend of liturgy, fraternity, artistic expression, and communal prayer enriched the entire Norbertine community and those who gathered with them. As they left the Priory grounds, many carried with them a rekindled commitment to live with deeper faith, service, and fidelity — values that St. Norbert embodied and handed down to his spiritual sons.
In the serene hill town of Mananthavady, the Feast of St. Norbert was not merely an annual event — it was a sacred encounter with the spirit of a saint who, even centuries later, continues to breathe renewal into the Church through the faithful lives of his followers.