A day on Julian of Norwich: Mother, Mystic, Radical – with Dr Claire Gilbert.
Please click here to view/download the Julian Programme.
Over 600 years ago, Julian, 30 years old and suffering what was thought to be a terminal illness, experienced a series of 16 visions, or ‘shewings’, all revealing aspects of the love of God. She recovered from her illness and devoted the rest of her life to reflecting on the meaning of these visions, leaving us a spiritual legacy that is second to none. Thomas Merton says of Julian: ‘She is without doubt one of the most wonderful of all Christian voices… I think that Julian of Norwich is, with Newman, the greatest English theologian.’
Claire is the Founder of the Westminster Abbey Institute which aims to nurture and revitalise moral and spiritual values in public life and service. She is a regular visitor and long-standing friend to the Community. Her latest book, ‘I Julian’, published in April 2023, is a fictional autobiography of one of the medieval world’s most important women. Former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, says of it: ‘Written with profound insight, spiritual and psychological, and a rare sensitivity to the everyday world of the fourteenth century, ‘I, Julian’ is a brilliantly illuminating companion to one of the greatest works of spiritual writing in English.’
We are delighted that Claire has offered to lead this day for us and we hope that many will come and enjoy it with us. The day will begin at 9.30am (with coffee on arrival from 9.00am) and will finish at 5pm. The cost of the day will be £30 (including lunch). As this day is likely to attract many of you who live some distance from Mirfield, if you would like to stay over the night before, you can book a special inclusive residential package for £70 in a standard room or £80 in an en-suite room (subject to availability).
Please contact the guest office for all enquiries and bookings, or phone 01924 483346.