Foundress of the Sisters of
Notre Dame de Namur

"A Saint For Our Time"

Marie Rose Julie Billiart was born in Cuvilly, France, on July 12, 1751. Her whole life was animated by a great desire to make known the goodness of God. A catechist at a very early age, she continued to teach about God in spite of the paralysis that crippled her at the age of 22. Persecuted during the French Revolution, taken to Amiens, she retained always her unshakeable confidence in the good God.

On February 2, 1804. she founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame. After her miraculous cure, she dedicated herself to the education of poor girls. Opposition, however, obliged her to leave France in 1807. Her welcome by the Bishop of Namur, Belgium, ensured that the Sisters of Notre Dame could continue their work of education in the spirit that Julie had envisioned.

From the heart of her experience was born her well known expression,

"Oh, how good is the good God!"

Julie died on April 8, 1816, only 12 years after the founding of her religious community. Beatified on May 13, 1906, Julie Billiart was Canonized on June 22, 1969.

Days of Special Prayer

•February 2 - Foundation Day for the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (1804)
•April 8 - Death of St. Julie (1816)
•May 13 - Feast of St. Julie
•June 22 - Canonization Day (1969)
•July 12 - St. Julie's Birthday (1751)

Book about St. Julie Billiart and
the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur:

Julie Billiart: Woman of Courage
Roseanne Murphy, SNDdeN.

This biography of St. Julie, foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, gives insight into the spirituality which gave birth to the Congregation.

Available in the bookstore.