Julian and Eckhart Tolle
A workshop, facilitated by Fr Gregory Freuhwirth OJN and Canon Professor Brian Thorne took place in December 2007 in Norwich on the theme 'Julian of Norwich and Eckhart Tolle: Spirituality and Psychology embrace each other across the centuries'.
Fr Gregory is currently the Guardian of the Order of Julian of Norwich (USA), a religious order of monks and nuns following the practices of Christian monasticism. The order was founded in 1985 and is based in Wisconsin, USA. Its vocation is to
creatively renew the traditions of contemplative and mystical spirituality in the Episcopal Church, and to be a living witness to Julian’s Revelations of Divine Love.
Brian Thorne is Emeritus Professor of Counselling at the University of East Anglia, co-founder of the Norwich Centre and a lay canon at Norwich Cathedral. His many publications include The Mystical Power of Person-Centred Therapy (2002), Infinitely Beloved (2003) and Love's Embrace: The autobiography of a person-centred therapist (2005).
Through a programme of talks, small group discussions and plenary sessions, the workshop participants explored the relationship between a fourteenth century female mystic and a contemporary male mystic. You can listen here to the talks given at the workshop by Brian and Fr Gregory:
Talk 1 - Gregory Freuhwirth OJN (50 minutes)
Talk 2 - Brian Thorne (45 minutes)
Fr Gregory was accompanied on his UK tour by OJN Oblate Heather Innes from Scotland, and Jacynth Hamill from Ireland, who together form the Celtic a capella duo Caim. They worked with Fr Gregory on a 'Music and Meditation' CD (due to be released soon) and performed a selection of their songs at St Julian's Church.
Click here to play a special recording of the track In The Spirit of Blessed Mother Julian from Caim's forthcoming album. This is an original composition by Gillian Duncan, inspired by a quiet day lead by Fr Gregory. Copyright - Touchwood songs.
It is hoped to offer further workshops on Julian and contemporary spirituality. Please let us know if you have any suggestions for future events or activities by writing to us or emailing the Julian Centre.