St. Julie Billiart

St. Julie Billiart was born Marie-Rose-Julie Billiart in 1751 at Cuvilly in Picardy, France, and died in 1816. She is the foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and is associated with Christian education, the poor, the sick, teachers, and trust in God’s goodness. Her life passed through poverty, paralysis, revolution, religious founding, misunderstanding, and remarkable restoration.

Julie grew up in a devout family and showed an early love for prayer and catechism. As a young woman she taught other children about the faith and was known for joyful confidence in God. A violent attack against her father and the strain that followed contributed to a severe illness that left her paralyzed for many years. Even from her bed, she continued to teach, counsel, and pray. Her suffering did not close her heart; it deepened her mission.

During the French Revolution, priests and faithful Catholics were persecuted. Julie had to be hidden and moved for safety because of her loyalty to the Church. In Amiens she met Françoise Blin de Bourdon, who became her close collaborator. Together they founded the Sisters of Notre Dame, dedicated especially to the education of poor girls and the formation of teachers. Julie’s spirituality centered on the goodness of God, a phrase that became almost the signature of her soul.

A famous healing occurred in 1804. After years of paralysis, Julie was told by her spiritual director, Father Joseph Varin, to make an act of obedience and walk. She rose and was healed. This restoration allowed her to travel, found houses, guide sisters, and expand the educational apostolate. The congregation later moved its center to Namur because of opposition in Amiens.

Julie died on 8 April 1816, continually repeating trust in God’s goodness. Canonized in 1969, she remains a luminous example of a woman whose long illness became preparation for an apostolate of education, mercy, and cheerful confidence in Providence.