Marie Rose Julia Billiart, born to affluent farmers in Cuvilly, France, developed a fervent interest in religion and aiding the less fortunate from an early age. Early tranquility gave way to hardship when her family’s fortunes dwindled, propelling young Julie into manual labor while she continued to impart religious teachings to the youth and farmhands in her spare moments.
At around 30, a life-altering illness struck Julie following a traumatic incident aimed at her father, leaving her paralyzed and bedridden. From her bed, she continued her catechism teachings, dispensed spiritual guidance, and welcomed visitors drawn by her reputed sanctity.
The outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789 marked a perilous time for Julie, known for her support of persecuted priests. Friends smuggled her out of Cuvilly, concealed in a haycart. She endured years of concealment and pain in Compiegne, moving stealthily from one refuge to another and even temporarily losing her speech.
Despite these trials, Julie experienced profound spiritual growth, envisioning a future where she would lead a community of religious women dedicated to the cross. Her path crossed with Francoise Blin de Bourdon, an aristocratic woman with similar educational aspirations. Together, in 1803, they founded the Institute of Notre Dame, focusing on the education of the impoverished, Christian youth, and catechist training. The subsequent year, the institute’s first vows were taken, coinciding remarkably with Julie’s miraculous recovery from her decades-long paralysis.
Julie, while prioritizing aid for the impoverished, recognized the need for Christian education across all societal levels. From the inception of the Sisters of Notre Dame to her demise, Julie tirelessly established schools across France and Belgium for diverse groups, including the indigent and the affluent, vocational learners, and educators. The motherhouse eventually found its home in Namur, Belgium, where Julie passed away in 1816, leaving a legacy of compassion and education. Her sanctity was formally recognized in 1969 with her canonization.
Photo credit: Nheyob via Wikimedia Commons
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