The function of a bishop: Saint John Baptist de la Salle on Saint Norbert

June 6 is the memorial of Saint Norbert, Archbishop, Norbertines founder. About him Saint John Baptist de la Salle wrote:

“The eminent virtues of Saint Norbert led to his being chosen bishop in spite of his reluctance. In this position he could not tolerate vice, and he denounced it boldly in all those who were scandalously abandoning themselves to its practice. On this account some people were offended and looked for a chance to kill him. How true it is that the impious and the dissolute cannot tolerate anyone who opposes their disorderly life. Saint Norbert escaped this danger; then he fought a heretic who denied the presence of the body of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist, and he destroyed the error. Is this not the function of a bishop, to oppose vice and to maintain the faith in its vigor and strength?”

Thanks to those terrific folks, the Missionaries of the Blessed Sacrament.