Saint Julie Billiart – Founder of the Sisters of Notre Dame & Patron of Educators

ST. JULIE BILLIART

Saint Julie Billiart was a French nun and founder of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, dedicated to educating girls, especially the poor. Despite being paralyzed for 22 years, she tirelessly taught and inspired others through her faith, love, and mission for justice.

Saint Julie Billiart was born on July 12, 1751, in the village of Cuvilly in Picardy, France. From a young age, she exhibited an extraordinary spiritual devotion and a keen intellect, quickly learning the catechism and even beginning to teach it to others by the age of seven. At nine, she made a personal vow of chastity and dreamed of dedicating her life to God. Raised in a time of social unrest and religious persecution, Julie’s early years were marked by hardship, including witnessing her father being attacked and suffering a trauma that led to progressive paralysis. By her early twenties, she was confined to bed and remained paralyzed for the next 22 years.

Despite her physical condition, Julie’s spirit was unbreakable. She remained deeply engaged in her community and used her time to teach catechism from her bedside, reaching both rich and poor children alike. She became known for her wisdom, her spiritual insight, and her unwavering faith. During the French Revolution, she secretly helped persecuted priests and continued to support the Church in any way she could, even under the threat of danger. Her suffering became a source of inspiration for those around her, and her resilience and joy attracted many followers.

In 1804, with the assistance of Françoise Blin de Bourdon, a noblewoman who shared her passion for religious life and education, Julie co-founded the Sisters of Notre Dame in Amiens, France. The order was established with the purpose of educating poor young girls and promoting Catholic education. Julie believed in the transformative power of education and saw it as a God-given right for all, regardless of class. Her famous saying, “How good is the good God,” became the spiritual motto of her life and her congregation.

Miraculously, in the same year she founded the congregation, Julie was cured of her paralysis during a novena (a nine-day period of prayer). She then began traveling to establish schools, convents, and missions. Her work expanded rapidly throughout France and Belgium, and her influence continued to grow. She trained young sisters not only in teaching but also in compassion, patience, and faith. The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur became known for their commitment to accessible and quality education for girls, often in poor and underserved areas.

Julie Billiart passed away on April 8, 1816, in Namur, Belgium, where her body now rests. Her legacy lives on through the continuing work of her congregation across the globe. In 1906, she was beatified by Pope Pius X, and on June 22, 1969, she was canonized by Pope Paul VI. Today, she is remembered as the patron saint of educators and those who work with children, particularly in challenging environments. Her courage, faith, and joyful spirit in the face of suffering continue to inspire educators, women religious, and laypeople alike.

Feast Day

8-4-

Birth Date

12-7-1751

Died Date

8-4-1816

Canonised Date

22-6-1969

Namur, Belgium

St. Julie Billiart, Foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame, Pray for us to live with deep faith, humility, and love for God. Help us to trust in God’s providence, And to serve others with joy and compassion, Following your example of unwavering devotion and service. Amen.
ST. JULIE BILLIART

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ST. JULIE BILLIART

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