Julian of Norwich
About Julian of Norwich:
Dates:November 8, 1342 - 1416 or 1419
Occupation: mystic and recluse (anchoress)
Known for: revelations, published as Showings and Revelations of Divine Love; hers was the first book written by a woman to be published in England
More About Julian of Norwich:
We know little about the early life of the woman we call Julian of Norwich (England). When she was thirty years old, Julian of Norwich became seriously ill -- ill enough that the sacrament of extreme unction was performed.
She recovered, and while regaining her health, she experienced visions.
She became an anchoress. She, and a servant, were walled into an enclosure where she "died" to life, complete with a church service recognizing her soul's burial.
Her enclosure did not mean complete isolation. The enclosure was attached to a church, the Norwich Church of St. Julian. It is from this church that she took the name that we know her by. She was recognized for her holiness and wisdom, and many sought her counsel, including another English mystic of the time, Margery Kempe.
Her records of her visions were published and widely distributed. The focus of her writings was the goodness of God. Among the unusual ideas was (as came in her visions as a revelation from God) the dual nature of God and Jesus as both father and mother.
Her writings were not challenged by the authorities, though her ideas verge on universalism and she writes of both Jesus and God as "mother."
The last date at which Julian is mentioned as alive is in 1416.
We don't know her actual death date or the circumstances of her death.
Words from Julian of Norwich:
Places: Norwich, England
Religion: Roman Catholic
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Dates:November 8, 1342 - 1416 or 1419
Occupation: mystic and recluse (anchoress)
Known for: revelations, published as Showings and Revelations of Divine Love; hers was the first book written by a woman to be published in England
More About Julian of Norwich:
We know little about the early life of the woman we call Julian of Norwich (England). When she was thirty years old, Julian of Norwich became seriously ill -- ill enough that the sacrament of extreme unction was performed.
She recovered, and while regaining her health, she experienced visions.
She became an anchoress. She, and a servant, were walled into an enclosure where she "died" to life, complete with a church service recognizing her soul's burial.
Her enclosure did not mean complete isolation. The enclosure was attached to a church, the Norwich Church of St. Julian. It is from this church that she took the name that we know her by. She was recognized for her holiness and wisdom, and many sought her counsel, including another English mystic of the time, Margery Kempe.
Her records of her visions were published and widely distributed. The focus of her writings was the goodness of God. Among the unusual ideas was (as came in her visions as a revelation from God) the dual nature of God and Jesus as both father and mother.
Her writings were not challenged by the authorities, though her ideas verge on universalism and she writes of both Jesus and God as "mother."
The last date at which Julian is mentioned as alive is in 1416.
We don't know her actual death date or the circumstances of her death.
Words from Julian of Norwich:
Places: Norwich, England
Religion: Roman Catholic
More women's history biographies, by name:
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