Pope praises Julian of Norwich as example of faith and service

May 17, 2023 at 3:57 p.m.
Pope praises Julian of Norwich as example of faith and service
Pope praises Julian of Norwich as example of faith and service

By Cindy Wooden • Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY – Although she died centuries ago, the English mystic Julian of Norwich continues to remind people of the importance of "faith in God's loving providence and holiness of life expressed in generous service to our brothers and sisters in need," Pope Francis said.

Faith and service, he said, "are timeless truths underpinning not only the life of Christian discipleship but the very fabric of a just and fraternal society."

Pope Francis' message about the ongoing relevance of the medieval mystic was read May 14 at the Anglican cathedral in Norwich, England, during an ecumenical service marking the 650th anniversary of the "shewings" or visions and revelations Julian received in Norwich over several days and nights in May 1373.

Noting how Julian of Norwich's life and writings are "increasingly being acknowledged and celebrated," Pope Francis said that "her maternal influence, humble anonymity and profound theological insights stand as timely reminders" of the importance of faith in God and assisting one another.
[[In-content Ad]]

The mystic's real name is not known; she is called Julian because she lived in a cell at the Church of St. Julian, praying and receiving visitors who asked for help.

Pope Francis praised her "generosity in welcoming those who sought spiritual counsel and encouragement," saying, "this willingness to sacrifice self-convenience for the sake of others is especially needed in responding to the endemic problems of isolation and loneliness felt by so many in the more materially affluent nations of the world."

"It is my hope that through a greater appreciation of the life of Mother Julian, Christians today will be encouraged to follow ever more faithfully and joyfully the example of Jesus, the one who came 'not to be served but to serve,'" the Pope wrote.

Julian of Norwich is best known for her book, "Revelations of Divine Love," and Pope Francis said its message of "God's mercy and compassion" is vital for the world today.

Julian wrote that "she was taught through God's grace that, despite the presence of evil in our midst, 'all manner of thing shall be well,'" the Pope said. "In this regard, I pray that all who face the pressing challenges of war, injustice, ecological disaster or spiritual poverty may be consoled and strengthened by these enduring words of wisdom."

In December 2010, Pope Benedict XVI devoted an audience talk to Julian of Norwich, particularly mentioning how "with a certain audaciousness, she does not hesitate to compare God's love to a mother's love. This is one of the most characteristic messages of her mystical theology: the tenderness, the concern and the sweetness of God's goodness are so great that they evoke a mother's love for her children."

In March 2016, at his general audience during Holy Week, Pope Francis told the crowd that Jesus' willingness to suffer and die is "a great mystery of love and mercy. Our words are poor and insufficient to express it fully," but the Julian of Norwich meditations on "the meaning of merciful love" can help.


Related Stories

VATICAN CITY – Although she died centuries ago, the English mystic Julian of Norwich continues to remind people of the importance of "faith in God's loving providence and holiness of life expressed in generous service to our brothers and sisters in need," Pope Francis said.

Faith and service, he said, "are timeless truths underpinning not only the life of Christian discipleship but the very fabric of a just and fraternal society."

Pope Francis' message about the ongoing relevance of the medieval mystic was read May 14 at the Anglican cathedral in Norwich, England, during an ecumenical service marking the 650th anniversary of the "shewings" or visions and revelations Julian received in Norwich over several days and nights in May 1373.

Noting how Julian of Norwich's life and writings are "increasingly being acknowledged and celebrated," Pope Francis said that "her maternal influence, humble anonymity and profound theological insights stand as timely reminders" of the importance of faith in God and assisting one another.
[[In-content Ad]]

The mystic's real name is not known; she is called Julian because she lived in a cell at the Church of St. Julian, praying and receiving visitors who asked for help.

Pope Francis praised her "generosity in welcoming those who sought spiritual counsel and encouragement," saying, "this willingness to sacrifice self-convenience for the sake of others is especially needed in responding to the endemic problems of isolation and loneliness felt by so many in the more materially affluent nations of the world."

"It is my hope that through a greater appreciation of the life of Mother Julian, Christians today will be encouraged to follow ever more faithfully and joyfully the example of Jesus, the one who came 'not to be served but to serve,'" the Pope wrote.

Julian of Norwich is best known for her book, "Revelations of Divine Love," and Pope Francis said its message of "God's mercy and compassion" is vital for the world today.

Julian wrote that "she was taught through God's grace that, despite the presence of evil in our midst, 'all manner of thing shall be well,'" the Pope said. "In this regard, I pray that all who face the pressing challenges of war, injustice, ecological disaster or spiritual poverty may be consoled and strengthened by these enduring words of wisdom."

In December 2010, Pope Benedict XVI devoted an audience talk to Julian of Norwich, particularly mentioning how "with a certain audaciousness, she does not hesitate to compare God's love to a mother's love. This is one of the most characteristic messages of her mystical theology: the tenderness, the concern and the sweetness of God's goodness are so great that they evoke a mother's love for her children."

In March 2016, at his general audience during Holy Week, Pope Francis told the crowd that Jesus' willingness to suffer and die is "a great mystery of love and mercy. Our words are poor and insufficient to express it fully," but the Julian of Norwich meditations on "the meaning of merciful love" can help.

Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

e-Edition


e-edition

Sign up


for our email newsletters

Weekly Top Stories

Sign up to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every Sunday

Daily Updates & Breaking News Alerts

Sign up to get our daily updates and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox daily

Latest Stories


Sister Frances Schiminsky, served in Hamilton, Trenton and Freehold schools
Funeral services were held Oct. 25 in ...

Sister Sandra Grieco, former educator in Delran high school
Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Sandra Grieco,...

Remembering who we are
We wrapped up production of The Monitor ...

Diocese razes former convent on Lawrenceville campus
Demolition and clean-up work is underway at the site of a former convent...

A call to prayer
God of all nations, ...


The Evangelist, 40 North Main Ave., Albany, NY, 12203-1422 | PHONE: 518-453-6688| FAX: 518-453-8448
© 2024 Trenton Monitor, All Rights Reserved.