Norbertines of St. Philip's Priory, Chelmsford - 01245 352898

'Si Deus, quis contra?'

St. Philip's Priory in Chelmsford, Essex is a priory of the order of Canons Regular of Prémontré (also known as Premonstratensians, Norbertines and, in England, the White Canons).

As Canons Regular our life is centred on the worthy celebration of the Divine Office and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The Rule of St. Augustine, together with the Constitutions of our Order, are the leaders and guides of our life.

The Order was founded by Our Holy Father Norbert on Christmas Day 1121 when he and his companions made their first profession at Prémontré in the diocese of Laon, France; the place that was to become the mother house of the Order until the French Revolution.

The Canons first came to Britain in 1143 and at the time of the Dissolution had already established some 48 houses. In 1872 the Order was re-established in this country and our canonry was established in 2004. To this day we strive to live according to the Rule of Our Holy Father Augustine and the inspiration of Our Holy Father Norbert, ready to be, as the motto of the Order states, 'ad omnes opus bonum parati', (prepared for every good work).

Tags: Religious Organization