The Julian Lecture and Festival 9th-10th May 2025
The Julian Lecture 2025 will be given by the lively and entertaining Dr Hetta Howes who is a Lecturer in Medieval and Early Modern Literature at City, University of London, and a BBC/AHRC New Generation Thinker. She regularly contributes to broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 and 4, as well as writing for publications such as The Times Literary Supplement and BBC History Extra. Her new book Poet, Mystic, Widow, Wife is written for a popular audience and features both Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe.
Hetta’s lecture is entitled Julian of Norwich: Having it All?
There were plenty of medieval women who were trying to ‘have it all’ - a career, a family, friends and passions - just as there are today. Julian of Norwich was not one of those women. When she decided to become an anchoress, she cut herself off almost entirely from the outside world and dedicated her entire life to one goal: devotion to God. By sticking to one path and rejecting the concept of having it all, Julian was able to create something beautiful - her life’s work, The Revelations of Divine Love.
This lecture will consider the concept of ‘having it all’ in terms of Julian’s vocation - how did she manage to find creative freedom and personal liberation in narrowing her focus dramatically?
We are also delighted that Hetta will be joining us for the panel discussion Breaking the Habit: The Allure of Nuns in Storytelling as part of the Julian Festival in partnership with the National Centre for Writing.
Julian Festival 2025
Friday May 9th 2025
· Mass at St Julian’s Church 17.00
· Breaking the Habit: The Allure of Nuns in Storytelling 19.00
· National Centre for Writing, Dragon Hall, Norwich
Saturday May 10th 2025
· Eucharist at St Julian’s Church led by Fr Richard Stanton 10.30-11.30
· 'Reception of new Companions (CJN) and renewal of vows'.
· Refreshments at Julian Centre 11.30 -12.00
· 44th Annual Julian Lecture: given by Dr Hetta Howes St Julian’s Church 12.00 – 1.15
· Lunch – please bring your own, or there are several cafes nearby. The Julian Centre will be open for hot drinks. 13.15 – 14.15
· Friends of Julian AGM at St Julian’s Church 14.15 - 15.15
· Closing Prayer by Fr Richard Stanton 15.30