Pope Francis blesses anniversary of Mother Julian of Norwich

Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, imparted his blessing on those participating in the event, celebrating a landmark occasion for Mother Julian of Norwich.

Anglican Bishop of Norwich, Reverend Graham Usher (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

In the message, Pope Francis said he was pleased that "pilgrims from accross the world are gathering in cathedrals of Norwich to make the 650th anniversary." 

Anglican Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher and Roman Catholic Bishop of East Anglia, Peter Collins said in a joint statement: "We're very grateful to Pope Francis for his blessing and his generous message about the significance of Mother Julian's writing.

King Charles III inspecting the embroidered screen featuring Julian of Norwich's words (Image: PA Wire)

"As we mark the 650-year anniversary of her revelations and enjoy a series of events and pilgrimages based around her Shrine in Norwich, we're delighted that Roman Catholics, Anglicans and Christians of other denominations, will come together and be inspired by Julian's life and witness to God in Jesus."

Julian lived in Norwich in the 14th and early 15th century spending much of her life by herself in a small room attached to the parish church of St Julian.

Roman Catholic Bishop of East Anglia, Reverend Peter Collins (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

She experienced visions from God 650 years ago and, by writing them down, became the first woman writer of the English language.

A famous quote by Julian, "All shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well" took pride of place at King Charles III's coronation after it embroidered at the bottom of a screen used to shelter him during the ceremony's anointment.

Julian's quote on a stained glass window at St Julian's Church in Norwich (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby added: "I'm sure Julian never foresaw the extraordinary influence and inspiration she would provide for generations of Christians and for women.

"I'm glad that her shrine is honoured and maintained today and pray it will continue to flourish."

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Reverend Justin Welby (Image: Simon Finlay)

The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis (Image: Diocese of Norwich)