Saint julie billiart biography of martin
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Feastday: April 8
1751-1816
Saint Julie Billiart (12 July 1751 – 8 April 1816) was born on 12 July 1751, at Cuvilly, Picardy, Beauvais, Oise, France, the sixth of seven children of Jean-François Billiart and Marie-Louise-Antoinette. She was a French religious leader who founded, and was the first Superior General of, the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
As a child, playing “school” was Julie’s favorite game. When she was sixteen, to help support her family, she began to teach “for real”. She sat on a haystack during the noon recess and told the biblical parables to the workers. Julie carried on this mission of teaching throughout her life, and the Congregation she founded continues her work.
She attended a little one room school in Cuvilly. She enjoyed all of her studies, but she was particularly attracted to the tro lessons taught by the parish präst. Recognizing something “special” in Julie, the priest titta
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St. Julie Billiart, Spiritual Mother, Model for All
St. Julie Billiart founded the Sisters of Notre Dame of Namur, who passed her spirituality on to the Sisters of Notre Dame of Coesfeld, my community. We were founded by two young women in Germany. We regard St. Julie as our spiritual mother. Her life was incredible, amazing.
Recently I had occasion to look up a video program on St. Julie’s life that I had made for my province. I had hoped to show it to you, but it’s been blocked on vimeo. Luckily I saved the script, which I share with you here:
St. Julie Billiart, Childhood
About 270 years ago in the French village of Cuvilly Mother Julie was born. She was named Marie Rose after her sister who had died at age seven. The name Julie was added. For the 25th anniversary of Julie’s canonization a street in Cuvilly was renamed Julie Billiart. In Namur there is also a street named for her. Julie valued her baptism. During her time, religious received Communion only
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St. Julie BilliartFeast day: Apr 08
St. Julie Billiart, co-foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, came to her religious vocation late in life, at the age of 51. She was born in 1751, the fifth of seven children. As a child, she developed a great love for Jesus in the Eucharist. At 16, she began to teach to help support her family.
However, due to a murder attempt on her father, she was plunged into very poor health for 30 years, 22 of which she was completely paralyzed. During this time she was very patient, and offered all of her sufferings to God.
During the French Revolution, Julie opened her home as a hiding place for loyal priests, forcing her to flee from danger several times. She also received a vision of the Crucified Christ, surrounded by a large group of women dressed in habits. An inner voice told her that she would begin a religious institute for the Christian education of young girls.
Julie and a rich young woman began the teaching or