St. Julie Billiart (1751-1816)

She was born on July 12, 1751 in Cuvilly, France. Her family was large, she was the sixth child, but her parents were prosperous farmers. She was a religious and holy child and could recite the entire catechism by the age of seven. Many of her childhood friend would come and listen to her to learn it. She impressed the parish priest and was confirmed at an early age. 

 

During her twenties someone tried to shoot her father. Shocked, she became partially paralyzed. She could not walk, but she could still teach and did so from her bed. Many were attracted to her holiness. 

The French Revolution put her in danger for helping priests. She was forced to leave her home and was carried from place to place in her bed. During this time she had a vision of a group of religious women standing at Calvary. 

Soon after she met Francoise Blin de Bourdon. They shared an interest in teaching the faith which led to the founding of the Institute of the Sisters Notre Dame. Its focus was to teach girls, both rich and poor and to train catechists. 

Vows were taken and soon after, she made a special novena. Her paralysis was cured. She continued her holy work focusing on charity for the poor, education of girls, building the religious strength of her sisters and founding 15 convents. Many miracles were attributed to her after her death in 1816 . She was canonized in 1969.

This week pray a Rosary in her honor, her feast day is April 8th.