03/29/2022
The Think Spring half marathon runs through the Saint Norbert Abbey at mile 10 after it jumps off of the Fox River Trail. Have you ever wondered about the history of this beautiful large property?
In 1893 Reverend Bernard Pennings, a Norbertine priest, left Holland and came to Wisconsin to take up pastoral work to the immigrants from Holland, Belgium and France who settled there. They founded St Norbert College as well as the St Norbert Abbey.
The De Pere Norbertines who live at the Abbey serve the church in Northeastern WI in education, parishes, local needs and its Center for Norbertine Spirituality.
The Norbertines have been ministering in the Diocese of Green Bay for over 125 years. Founded by St Norbert in 1121 AD the Norbertines are one of the oldest religious orders in the world and serve the faithful on nearly every continent.
Fun fact! One of On Pace’s esteemed pacers is Father Jordan Neeck - a priest of the St Norbert Abbey! He is a chaplain and teacher of theology at Notre Dame Academy in Green Bay as well as a Cross Country coach. You may remember him from rocking out the 1:30-1:40 half marathon pacing roles at our local Green Bay Cellcom race, the Fox Cities Half marathon or the Wausau half marathon!
