December 2011

Question:

Dear Abbot Pennings,

I lived in Mad/Lor Hall and am curious to know why it was given that name. What is the story behind it?

Christine Linnehan Strigenz ’76

Answer:

My dear Christine,

Many students have resided within the walls of Madelaine and Lorraine Hall since its doors opened in 1963, originally to house female students. Its two wings derive their names from the history of our beloved order – an unusual circumstance on this campus, where most halls are named for the benefactors whose generous gifts enabled their construction.

Madelaine honors Abbot Madelaine of Mondaye Abbey in northern France. This revered Norbertine was a noted historian and the extraordinary confessor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Lorraine is a nod to one of the noble houses from which Norbert of Xanten, esteemed founder of our order, could claim descent.

Responses to “Ask the Abbot” questions are penned by St. Norbert College staff in the name of Abbot Bernard Pennings, O.Praem., who founded St. Norbert College in 1898.