From the Rectory June 2024

Rev Canon Simon Ward
Team Rector, Great Yarmouth Team Ministry, and Rural Dean

During this week Revd Liz took a small group of parishioners to Norwich Cathedral where they had a look around and attended evensong with a special commemoration of Edith Cavell
 
Edith Cavell, a nurse during World War I, exemplifies the Christian virtues of courage, compassion, and sacrifice. Born in 1865 and raised in the vicarage at Swardeston near Norwich, Edith was dedicated to the care of all soldiers, regardless of their nationality, driven by her strong Christian faith. Her work in Brussels, helping over 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium, ultimately led to her arrest and execution. Edith Cavell's unwavering commitment to her duty and her faith, even in the face of death, is a powerful testament to the call to love and serve others selflessly. She rests in peaceful setting behind Norwich Cathedral where everyone gathered after evensong
 
Of course, she is not the only local woman of great faith because in May we marked the feast of Julian of Norwich, a mystic and theologian from the 14th century. Her writings are among the most profound in Christian mysticism and hers are the earliest example of western spiritual writings by a woman. Julian lived during a tumultuous time marked by the Black Death and her famous declaration, "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well", speaks to a deep assurance in God's unwavering love and presence, even in the darkest of times. Her insights continue to inspire and comfort, urging us to trust God
 
Both Julian of Norwich (image left) and Edith Cavell (image right) demonstrate the strength and resilience that come from a deep faith in God. Julian, through her contemplative life and spiritual writings, and Edith, through her courageous actions and ultimate sacrifice, offer us enduring examples of how to live out our faith in different yet profoundly significant ways
 
Recently we have been caused to think about other women of faith in our midst! We have just bid farewell to Mother Ashley as we thank her for all she has done amongst us and wish her well as she moves back to the Diocese of Lichfield
 
This coming month we look forward to Revd Liz being ordained a priest and all are welcome to join the service at the Cathedral on 29th June at 10.30 and then the following day in the Minster as she presides at the Eucharist for the first time
 
Let us thank God for these and other holy women and in in doing so may we find strength in the assurance that, indeed, "all shall be well"

Fr Simon

this article and pictures courtesy of Parish Life

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