On Saturday, Aug. 23, more than 100 parishioners and friends joined a “virtual pilgrimage” to the Julian Shrine in Norwich, UK, hosted on the Julian of Norwich Anglican Church YouTube channel. While visiting England on holiday, I led this online event to help viewers encounter Julian—the woman, her story, and the profound revelations she shared about the nature of God’s love.
Our pilgrimage was guided by the Rev. Richard Stanton, priest at St. Julian’s Church and director of the Julian Shrine. Richard’s deep knowledge of Julian and her Revelations of Divine Love brought her world vividly to life. His warmth and enthusiasm made this virtual journey both engaging and spiritually enriching.
Personally, I was struck by how central this little church would have been in Julian’s time and how engaged she must have been with the people of Norwich. I imagine she was greatly admired for her dedication to God and often sought out for her spiritual wisdom. I was also deeply moved by the story of the church itself—destroyed during the Second World War, it was rebuilt on its medieval foundations because parishioners refused to let war be the last word on Julian’s legacy. Instead, they chose love.
For those who were unable to join us live, the full recording is available on our parish YouTube channel: Watch the virtual pilgrimage here.
Given the growing interest in Julian and her hopeful, optimistic spirituality, our parish is launching a book study of Revelations of Divine Love. Beginning in mid-October, we will meet monthly over Zoom to explore the book chapter by chapter, culminating in our next Julian Festival in May 2026, marking Julian’s commemoration on May 8. Anyone from the diocese is welcome to participate—please contact [email protected] to sign up.
The Rev. Karen McBride is Incumbent, Julian of Norwich Anglican Church, Ottawa.
St. George, Portage-du-Fort — Deanery of West Quebec