The Liturgy of the Hours and the Holy Sacrifice of
the Mass are at the hearts of the lives of Canons Regular. As Norbertines, Eucharistic and Marian devotions are also an essential part of our life and spirituality. To this end we honour our
Blessed Mother at the end of each canonical Office with an antiphon in her honour. Eucharistic Adoration is also a large part of our life. Our Holy Father Norbert also bequeathed to us, his sons, a special devotion to the Immaculate Conception.As with many of the ancient Orders in the Church, the Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré has its own rite. The Premonstratensian Rite is still used in our Canonry, alongside the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite. The Premonstratensian Rite has its own missal, breviary, calendar and a particularly beautiful form of chant. A detailed explanation of the Premonstratensian Rite 'The Mass of the Premonstratensian Order' by Dr. Lenztze O.Praem (translated by Fr. Resch O.Praem) can be viewed by clicking here. (Requires Adobe Reader, file size: 3.5 MB)
The habit of our Order consists of a white tunic, white scapular, white cappa with hood and the white biretta. In summer the choir dress has the addition of an almutium worn on the left arm together with a rochet at certain offices. The almutium is a piece of fur and a vestment proper to canons. In some congregations and communities this is worn on the head or around the neck. In winter a white cape in used in choir. The life of Our Holy Father Norbert relates that the Blessed Mother herself appeared to St. Norbert and gave him the habit which members of his Order wear to this day.
An example of Premonstratensian chant can be heard below; 'Hic est electum vas' a hymn to St. Norbert:
The chant of the Order has many differences with the Roman. Below are some examples, from the solemn and simple forms of the Marian antiphons.
Salve Regina: Solemn & Simple
Alma Redemptoris: Solemn & Simple
Ave Regina: Solemn & Simple
Regina Coeli: Solemn & Simple