The Saints: St. Julie Billiart

1751 - 1816

Feast – April 8

A pious French child, Julie made a vow of chastity at 14 and did manual work when her family lost its money. She developed nervous paralysis after a shooting attempt on her father, and was moved around for safety during the French Revolution. From giving bedside catechism lessons her apostolate grew to founding the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Healed after a novena for her recovery, Julie spent her last 12 years on the road, opening schools and expanding the new congregation.