Category: Why Norbertine Life?

Why Fr. James Neilson, O. Praem., Chose Norbertine Life

By Fr. James Neilson, O. Praem.

The beauty of the abbey and its liturgical life made an immediate and lasting impression on my heart and mind. That this community should have been so mindful of beauty as an attribute of faith in Christ and a lifestyle dedicated to the Gospel inspired me to believe I could thrive in such an environment of grace and natural revelation.

… This is nothing less than a dream-job and there’s not a day I’m not grateful for this extraordinary opportunity …

—Fr. James Neilson, O. Praem.
Fr. James Neilson, O. Praem., with his art on display.
Fr. James Neilson, O. Praem., with his art on display.

The opportunity for life-long learning has been a rich and constant blessing for which I will always be grateful to the Norbertine community. The order has been both affirming and generous in allowing me to continue my personal, spiritual, and professional pursuit of the art, ministry, and vocation of beauty. I have been very fortunate in extending the dream of Abbot Bernard Pennings, O. Praem., by working among and within the St. Norbert College community as a professor of art (this is nothing less than a dream-job and there’s not a day I’m not grateful for this extraordinary opportunity to live and work as a priest-artist-educator).

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Why Fr. Bradley Vanden Branden, O. Praem., Chose Norbertine Life

By Fr. Bradley Vanden Branden, O. Praem.

Growing up in a Norbertine parish, there were often a variety of Norbertine priests that would cycle through to celebrate Mass. My family and I were always left with the feeling that Norbertines were community-minded men. Still today, I value community life as a great source of support and challenge. It is nice to know that on this journey toward God, I am not walking alone but have the support of my brothers in the community.

… I value community life as a great source of support and challenge.

—Fr. Bradley Vanden Branden, O. Praem.
Fr. Bradley Vanden Branden, O. Praem. (standing, right), at Notre Dame de la Baie Academy.
Fr. Bradley Vanden Branden, O. Praem. (standing, right), at Notre Dame de la Baie Academy.

The opportunities for ministries that our community affords has been a great blessing. I have very much enjoyed my time as chaplain at Notre Dame de la Baie Academy and being able to carry on the mission to another generation of students at the school. Often I hear stories from alumni about their beloved Norbertine teachers. Being able to share in the legacy that exists at Notre Dame is a great blessing to me.

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