Julian of Norwich 

One of the panels in the Benedictine window in Norwich Cathedral is that of Julian of Norwich. She was an English mystic who lived as an anchoress in the fourteenth century. Little is known of her personal life, but she lived during the turbulent years of the Black Death and the Peasant’s Revolt. Her book ‘Revelations of Divine Love’ is a spiritual masterpiece. Her revelations have survived down the centuries and tell of her love of Jesus. She records several revelations upon the suffering and passion of Jesus. She sees the suffering face of Jesus. He reveals His mother Mary to Julian. She also reflects upon the mercy of God and that God is present in all things and does everything. She focuses on grace and forgiveness rather than sin. For Julian God is Mother, Father and lover.

Her little book on her revelations have survived six centuries and is still being read which shows her importance today. When we are in pain or have turned away from God, Jesus shows us that we can have strength and support during challenging times. After the final judgement, the mystery of God that has been so far hidden from us will be revealed to us. I was struck by her love of Jesus and reminded that all of us are invited into a personal relationship with Him. We are all invited to become more like Jesus. One can still see her little cell which is part of the medieval church of St Julian’s, Norwich.

Francis Kemsley O.Carm 

The full Benedictine window in Norwich Cathedral