Il santorale di Giuliana di Norwich

Angela Zaccara

doi:10.5209/dmae.69885

The sanctorale of Julian of Norwich

Angela Zaccara Università degli Studi di Perugia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5209/dmae.69885

Keywords: Julian of Norwich, late-medieval holiness, English mysticism, St. Cecilia, Christ’s wounds, St. Mary

Abstract

Who are the saints referred to in the Revelations of the mystic and anchorite Julian of Norwich, and what is the role they play in her work? This essay analyses Julian’s explicit mentions of saints, taking into account the philological issues they raise. It aims to explore their peculiarities or correspondences with hagiographical narratives and their connections with both Julian’s theological thought about holiness and the changing attitudes towards sanctity in the Late Middle Ages. Julian’s sanctity models are read in light of the specific visions where they appear, that is of the work structure, namely in connection with the topic of Christ’s wounds. A figure stands out above all in the sanctorale, that of st Mary. This essay reaffirms her prominent role in Julian’s mystical experience and work.

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