Of Julian’s early life we know little, only the probable date of her birth (1342). Her own writings in her Revelations of Divine Love are concerned only with her visions, or “showings,” that she experienced when she was thirty years old rather than with the details of her biography.

Julian had been gravely ill and was given last rites. Suddenly, on the seventh day, all pain left her, and she had fifteen visions of Christ’s Passion. These brought…