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The Wisdom of Julian of Norwich for Today course

Julian of Norwich lived and counselled people through the turbulent and distressing era following the Black Death. In a time when most preached a punitive God, Julian’s experience of God kept her faithful to the primacy of God’s love. Her important work, Showings (or The Revelations of Divine Love), is replete with insights about God’s tenderness, allowing us to see Christian life differently. In this course, we will explore Julian’s thought thematically, applying it to our own sense of what God wants, for us and with us today.

Gillian Ahlgren is Professor Emerita of Theology at Xavier University. A church historian by training, she is widely known for her work in the Christian mystical tradition. She is the author of nine books–several on Teresa of Avila, as well as others on Franciscan and Ignatian spirituality. Her particular gift is to translate insights from Christian mystics into practical wisdom for living today. For more on Gillian, see https://www.gillianahlgren.com/

Book Event

Residential ticket in a single ensuite room. # £180

Residential retreat which begins at 6pm Saturday and ends 6pm Sunday. This ticket includes single ensuite B&B as well as supper on Saturday, lunch on Sunday and refreshments.

Available Tickets: 17

The Residential ticket in a single ensuite room. # ticket is sold out. You can try another ticket or another date.

Details

Dates & Times

14 - 15 Mar 2026

6:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Other Notes

This is an overnight retreat to be held at Sarum College.

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What our students say

Riveting!

Book of Revelation course

Someone on the course said it was ‘riveting!’ This was exactly what I felt. The course was a total joy because of the tutor’s handouts, excellence and Sarum College hospitality.

Faith is an imaginative adventure

The Very Revd Dr Mark Oakley

I admire the work and tone of Sarum College very deeply. It is a community that takes theology and spirituality seriously, not as hobbies but as pursuits into understanding, and engaging in, a complex world.

Sarum College reminds us that faith is an imaginative adventure and that it is shaped by a questioning joy.

Vibrant approach to theology

Fr Azariah France-Williams

I’ve been particularly struck by the refreshing approach to theological education here. In a world, and indeed within parts of the church, where faith can sometimes feel stagnant or out of touch, Sarum offers a vibrant and relevant alternative. The courses encourage a bold exploration of profound ideas, connecting with truths that lie beneath the surface and fostering genuine personal growth, which feels particularly significant as I approach my 50th year. This counter-cultural spirit, which embraces depth and challenges ageism and fear, is truly remarkable. Sarum is a place where individuals can be transformed by engaging with a living and breathing faith.

Well worth taking the time

Disability Theology: Theory and Practice

I took time to attend the course out of a busy working week and it was well worth taking that time. I have so many things to ponder and reflect on from this course and a helpful further reading list to keep me going for a few months! Thank you Sarum College

Netflix, Theology and Pastoral Practice

Peter Butchers on his MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture student experience

How do cultural tropes, like those found in Black Mirror, help bridge the gap between what academic theology espouses and what the everyday Christian believes? In his research as a student on the MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture, Peter Butchers explored platonic philosophy, digital theology and eschatology, and pastoral practice around death and dying.

Rewarding Sabbatical Stay

The Revd Greg Syler, is Rector of Ascension & St. George’s, Resurrection Parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, DC USA, spent part of his ministry sabbatical at Sarum College in spring 2022.

His account of the experience begins: ‘I loved spending nearly three weeks of my ministry sabbatical at Sarum College earlier this year.

Not only did I rest, and rest well in the comfortable care of the Sarum College staff, I experienced very significant renewal and fresh insights.’

The Wisdom of Julian of Norwich for Today