Dear Friends,
What a blessing it was to spend Holy Week 2025 at Norwich Cathedral! These days away were a wonderful opportunity to deepen my prayer life and gather fresh insights for ministry training. This one-week placement was part of my studies to become a priest.
I must admit I felt a little intimidated arriving at such a grand building, but the warm welcome from the cathedral leadership and a fellow-student training at the cathedral slowly put me at ease. The daily rhythm of worship created a peaceful retreat-like atmosphere that was truly refreshing. How special to begin the day with Morning Prayer at 7:30 am, receive communion twice a day and get to enjoy the fantastic atmosphere and music of daily Evensong.
Holy Week at the cathedral offered an amazing variety of services. While the grand Easter Vigil was magnificent, I was equally drawn to the intimate quiet of the 8am Eucharist. Processing in robes was a new experience for me, and I was deeply moved by the thoughtful intercessions and creative sermons throughout the week.
The cathedral’s use of space, light, darkness, silence, music, and movement during worship was incredibly powerful. I was particularly touched by the „stripping of the altar,“ the Maundy Thursday vigil, and the service „at the foot of the cross“ – all new experiences that spoke to my heart.
It was fascinating to glimpse behind the scenes at cathedral life too. I enjoyed chaplaincy duty, greeting visitors and offering prayers on the hour. Everyone I met – from clergy to welcome teams, musicians to administrators – shared such joy and passion for their roles.
Norwich itself is a delightful city and well worth a visit! I especially treasured visiting St. Julian’s shrine and connecting with the powerful words of Mother Julian of Norwich.
While I gathered many ideas to bring back to our community, I’m very happy to be home again in our ’small and imperfect‘ chaplaincy. There’s something special about our more informal gathering that the grand cathedral setting, beautiful as it is, can’t replace.
The blessed oils I brought back are a lovely symbol of connection between Norwich Cathedral and our Anglican Church here in Freiburg.
Joy & blessings,
Christine
Norwich Cathedral 
View from ‘my’ seat for Morning Prayer and Evensong 
The blessed oils for baptism, confirmation and anointing of the sick 
First time wearing robes 
During lent all crosses are veiled 
All dark for the vigil on Maundy Thursday night 
The incense still hanging in the air 
Darkness on Good Friday 
Easter Day 
Easter Day 
Me with some of the cathedral’s and diocesan leadership 
At the cathedral library 
Beautiful cobbled streets of Norwich 
St Julian of Norwich’s Chapel 
At St Julian’s cell 
Hospitality at the Julian Visitor Center 
Beautiful cloisters at the cathedral