The Founding of Norbertine Houses in Poland

Comments by
Dr. Joanna Szczesna, Catholic University of Lublin, Poland

It is most likely that all norbertine cloisters originate thanks to the reforming activity of Bohemian Canon Cyprianus.  Originally, they could have belonged to other branches of Canons Regular, but it is difficult to say to precisely what religious Orders they belonged bacause in the written sources they appeared at once to be affiliated with the Premonstratensians.  

In 1181 Gotschalk, abbot of Zeliv in Bohemia, together with Cyprianus, went to Prémontré to take part in the General Chapter.  This event is considered to be the beginning point of the reforms of the Order in Poland, in which Cyprianus, first abbot of Wroclau-Olbin, played a very significant role.  The direct effect of this reform effort was the division of the community at Koscielna Wies, the creation of the abbey of Wroclaw, and the establishment of the Sisters' convent in Strzelno between 1181-1193.  

The final affiliation of Polish houses with the Order, and the creation of the Polish Circary itself came in the early years of the 13th century.  The probable occasion for this was the meeting in Makolno in 1212.  At that time, the Prince of Pomerania, Mestwin I (also known as Msciwoj or Mszczuj) and his wife Zwinislawa decided to found a Norbertine nun's cloister.  It was indeed built four years later in Stolp, with the Sisters afterward moving to Zukowo).  Also, abbeys in Witow and Brzesko were incorporated/affiliated to the Norbertine Order at this time.