Julian of Norwich

Biographical Details:

  • Lived 1342-1416 A.D.

Biography:

Julian of Norwich was an English mystic and theologian, widely regarded as the author of Revelations of Divine Love, the earliest known English-language work written by a woman. Born around 1342, she lived during a turbulent period in England marked by the Black Death (1348–1350), a devastating plague that killed nearly a third of Europe’s population, causing profound social and economic upheaval. Julian also witnessed the Peasants’ Revolt in 1381, when widespread discontent over feudal restrictions and economic hardship led to an uprising that swept through large parts of England. Against this grim backdrop, Julian withdrew from the world, becoming an anchoress—a type of religious recluse—living in a cell attached to St. Julian’s Church in Norwich.

In 1373, at the age of 30, Julian experienced a series of mystical visions while gravely ill, which she later interpreted as divine revelations. These visions, which she described as showing her the boundless love and compassion of God, served as the foundation for her theological writings. In them, Julian emphasized the concepts of divine love, grace, and optimism in a time when most teachings centered around sin and judgment. Her visions portrayed God as a nurturing figure, often using motherly imagery to depict His care for humanity—a radical perspective in medieval Christianity, where God was generally viewed as stern and judgmental. She famously reflected on suffering and redemption, emphasizing God’s endless compassion with the hopeful words, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.” Her theology was revolutionary in its assertion of universal salvation and the unwavering love of God.

Julian’s work has resonated deeply with generations of readers and theologians. She continued to live a solitary, prayerful life as an anchoress until her death, likely around 1416. Although Julian was never formally canonized, she is celebrated as a saint in the Anglican, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic traditions, with May 13 as her feast day. The Catholic Church today honors Julian as a mystic and visionary, acknowledging her profound insights into divine love and her unique contributions to Christian thought, which offer a message of hope, compassion, and faith that transcends her own time.

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Extant Writings:

  • Revelations of Divine Love

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Quotes and Excerpts: