Julian of Norwich
Julian of Norwich (ca. 8 November 1342 – ca. 1416) was an English anchoress who is regarded as one of the most important Christian mystics. Julian spent much of her life as an anchorite, that is, as a vowed religious living by herself in a small room attached to the parish church of St. Julian. Beyond this, little is actually known about Dame Julian, as she was called. She is venerated in the Anglican and Lutheran churches, but has never been canonized, or officially beatified, by the Catholic Church, probably because so little is known of her life aside from her writings. There is also scholarly debate as to whether Julian was a nun in a nearby convent, or even a laywoman. Even her name is uncertain, the name "Julian" coming from the church to which her cell was attached.
At the age of 30 and a half, suffering from a severe illness and believing she was on her deathbed, Julian had a series of intense visions of Jesus Christ. They ended by the time she recovered from her illness on 13 May 1373. She was at home during her near death experience, and gives no mention of her personal life up until that point. Julian wrote down a narration of the visions immediately following them; twenty to thirty years later she wrote a theological exploration of the meaning of the visions, which are the source of her major work, called Sixteen Revelations of Divine Love (ca. 1393). This is believed to be the first book written in the English language by a woman. Julian became well known throughout England as a spiritual authority: the English mystic (and author of the first known autobiography written in England) Margery Kempe mentions going to Norwich to speak with her.
Julian's writings are noted for their spiritual depth and theological courage, for their literary elegance and the spirit of joy and humility that permeates them. In a medieval church which emphasized God's condemning wrath, Julian wrote, 'There is no wrath in God….It is the most impossible thing that can be that God would be angry, for wrath and friendship are two opposites.' Just as striking is Julian's perception of the feminine element in God. 'As truly as God is our Father,' Julian wrote, 'so truly God is our Mother.' Unparalleled in English religious literature, her Revelations spans the most profound mysteries of the Christian faith—such as the problems of predestination, the foreknowledge of God, and the existence of evil. The clarity and depth of her perception, the precision and accuracy of her theological presentation, and the sincerity and beauty of her expression reveal a mind and personality of exceptional strength and charm.
Julian of Norwich (ca. 8 November 1342 – ca. 1416) was an English anchoress who is regarded as one of the most important Christian mystics. Julian spent much of her life as an anchorite, that is, as a vowed religious living by herself in a small room attached to the parish church of St. Julian. Beyond this, little is actually known about Dame Julian, as she was called. She is venerated in the Anglican and Lutheran churches, but has never been canonized, or officially beatified, by the Catholic Church, probably because so little is known of her life aside from her writings. There is also scholarly debate as to whether Julian was a nun in a nearby convent, or even a laywoman. Even her name is uncertain, the name "Julian" coming from the church to which her cell was attached.
At the age of 30 and a half, suffering from a severe illness and believing she was on her deathbed, Julian had a series of intense visions of Jesus Christ. They ended by the time she recovered from her illness on 13 May 1373. She was at home during her near death experience, and gives no mention of her personal life up until that point. Julian wrote down a narration of the visions immediately following them; twenty to thirty years later she wrote a theological exploration of the meaning of the visions, which are the source of her major work, called Sixteen Revelations of Divine Love (ca. 1393). This is believed to be the first book written in the English language by a woman. Julian became well known throughout England as a spiritual authority: the English mystic (and author of the first known autobiography written in England) Margery Kempe mentions going to Norwich to speak with her.
Julian's writings are noted for their spiritual depth and theological courage, for their literary elegance and the spirit of joy and humility that permeates them. In a medieval church which emphasized God's condemning wrath, Julian wrote, 'There is no wrath in God….It is the most impossible thing that can be that God would be angry, for wrath and friendship are two opposites.' Just as striking is Julian's perception of the feminine element in God. 'As truly as God is our Father,' Julian wrote, 'so truly God is our Mother.' Unparalleled in English religious literature, her Revelations spans the most profound mysteries of the Christian faith—such as the problems of predestination, the foreknowledge of God, and the existence of evil. The clarity and depth of her perception, the precision and accuracy of her theological presentation, and the sincerity and beauty of her expression reveal a mind and personality of exceptional strength and charm.
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Dec 24, 2022 | By Dottie A.
Jun 18, 2019 | By Nancy W.
Mar 12, 2019 | By Mary Mac
Jun 5, 2017 | By Penelope C.
Feb 17, 2017 | By Sarah S.
Dec 17, 2016 | By Jo Marie T.
Oct 12, 2016 | By Kelly
Feb 15, 2016 | By Paula P.
Feb 8, 2016 | By KH
Jan 8, 2016 | By Cheryl
Dec 23, 2015 | By Judith
Jul 19, 2015 | By The Dierkings
Jul 10, 2015 | By Diane Wiser
Reviews
13 reviews
Too short
Dec 24, 2022 | By Dottie A.The necklace will not even close when I put it around my neck. It needs to be at least 24" with an extender.
Dottie A.
Nice necklace
Jun 18, 2019 | By Nancy W.I first saw the bracelet with Julian of Norwich quote, which I love. But I rarely wear bracelets, and it was expensive. Then saw the necklace which I would wear. The quote is easily readable, and the quality is fantastic. I thought about purchasing this for about a year, but finally ordered it and am so glad I did!
Nancy W.
Delighted once more
Mar 12, 2019 | By Mary MacMy home was broken into, and all my jewelry was taken. I was delighted to find another silver Julian of Norwich mobius. Its message gives me peace, and its shape is good for fingering it I am anxious. I would like a longer chain, but I can easily find that for myself.
Mary Mac
Great Gift!
Jun 5, 2017 | By Penelope C.Got it for our daughter who loved it! It is a lovely piece of art work with a timely message! A win/win!
Penelope C.
Beautiful, soothing necklace
Feb 17, 2017 | By Sarah S.Necklace is solid, beautiful workmanship. The recipient of my gift put it on and immediately held it in her fingers and said how calming it was, and a great reminder that all shall be well.
Sarah S.
Just Lovely
Dec 17, 2016 | By Jo Marie T.Such a lovely piece of jewelry and it comes packaged beautifully as well, for gift giving.
Jo Marie T.
And all manner of thing shall be well
Oct 12, 2016 | By KellyI really love this necklace and wear it every day. The design is very pleasing to twirl around a finger in contemplation or distress.
Kelly
All shall be well necklace
Feb 15, 2016 | By Paula P.Beautiful!
Paula P.
Beautiful piece
Feb 8, 2016 | By KHThis pendant is so lovely, and the message is both beautiful and comforting.
KH
Monastery Greetings
Jan 8, 2016 | By CherylBeautiful necklace; beautiful packaging. Wonderful site.
Cheryl
Julian of Norwich All shall be well necklace
Dec 23, 2015 | By JudithGood quality. Very attractive.
Judith
Lovely
Jul 19, 2015 | By The DierkingsGreat job!
The Dierkings
All shall be well necklace
Jul 10, 2015 | By Diane WiserThe necklace is lovely. It arrived in excellent condition and just as advertised. I am very pleased with my purchase.
Diane Wiser
