Mural Booklet

DEFENDER OF THE EUCHARIST
The zeal exercised by Norbert in defending and strengthening the
doctrine of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist was
strenuously tested in the north of Belgium about the year 1124. The
heretic Tanchelm had caused spiritual desolation in Antwerp and the
surrounding area by his denunciation of the Church, the priesthood
and the sacraments. Though he had died a tragic death, his false
doctrines still lived on and continued to spread their deadly poison.
Bishop Burchard of Cambrai had employed various means to overcome
the heresy, but his many attempts had met stiff resistance.
In his bewilderment Burchard
remembered Norbert, appealed
to him, and Norbert quickly
responded to the invitation.
Norbert carefully selected several
of his brethren distinguished by
their piety, zeal, and erudition
and with them set out for
Antwerp. They gained the
admiration of the people.
Their frequent sermons and instructions
were listened to attentively
and the people of Antwerp
soon realized they had been deceived.
The heretical doctrines of
Tanchelm were repudiated and the
people returned to the practice of
their Catholic faith. In recognition
of the service he had rendered,
the people acclaimed Norbert the
“Apostle of Antwerp,” a title he
holds to this day.