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. Then, the scope of the house was to be a place for Premonstratensian Canons to continue to live in the apostolic ideals which were evident in St. Norbert, founder of the order, while they pursue 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 Premostratensian tradition.
Our mission is to:
Foster communio: 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
Support ongoing clerical formation: 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.
Sustain liturgical life: maintain daily choral prayer, sacred liturgy, and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, reflecting the Order’s commitment to
Laus Dei in choro.
Promote pastoral service: equip residents to serve the Church in preaching, apostolic outreach, and sacramental ministry, which promotes the cura animarum, an integral mark of our way of life from the early decades of the Order.
Draw strength from tradition and renewal: anchor its life in over nine centuries of Premonstratensian heritage, offering both stability and spiritual renewal rooted in communal discipline and prayer. Through this blend of prayer, community, and pastoral readiness, Collegio San Norberto plays a crucial role in continuing and growing the Norbertine legacy of harmonizing contemplative life with service to the Church.
