Julian of Norwich was a laywoman who lived in solitude for many years within St. Julian church (hence her attributed name) in Norwich, England. She is considered to be one of the greatest English mystics.
Julian's life was devoted to prayer. Her writings testify to hope within a turbulent world fragmented by war and crisis in the Church. Even in the midst of suffering, her affirmation of creation as good and her understanding of a loving God led her to see that:
All shall be well,
all shall be well,
and all manner of things shall be well.
While the precise dates of her birth and death are unknown, it is believed Julian was born about November 8, 1342, and died about 1443.
Julian was never formally beatified but is considered "blessed" because of popular devotion.
- Little Burgundy Book, Diocese of Saginaw