The Life of Blessed Julie Billiard, Foundress of the Institute of Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

The Life of Blessed Julie Billiard, Foundress of the Institute of Sisters of Notre Dame

by Philippe Durant

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Language	:	English
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Blessed Julie Billiard was a French nun who founded the Institute of Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. She was born in 1796 in Cuvilly, France, and died in 1868 in Namur, Belgium. Billiard was beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1930.

Early Life

Julie Billiard was born on July 12, 1796, in Cuvilly, France. She was the eldest of nine children born to Jean-Baptiste Billiard and Marie-Anne Gaillard. Her father was a farmer, and her mother was a seamstress. Billiard's parents were devout Catholics, and they raised their children in the faith.

Billiard was a precocious child. She learned to read and write at an early age, and she was known for her intelligence and piety. She was also a talented musician, and she loved to sing and play the piano.

Religious Vocation

At the age of 15, Billiard felt a call to religious life. She entered the novitiate of the Sisters of the Visitation in Troyes, France, in 1816. However, she soon realized that this was not the right community for her. She left the Visitation in 1818 and returned to her home in Cuvilly.

In 1819, Billiard met Fr. Pierre-Joseph Triest, a Belgian priest who was working to establish a new religious order for women. Triest was impressed by Billiard's intelligence and piety, and he invited her to join his community.

Founding of the Institute of Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

In 1823, Billiard and four other women founded the Institute of Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. The order's mission was to provide education for girls, especially those from poor families.

The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur quickly grew in number, and they soon established schools throughout France and Belgium. In 1841, the order expanded to the United States, and in 1846 it expanded to Canada.

Later Life

Billiard served as the first superior general of the Institute of Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur from 1823 until her death in 1868. During her time as superior general, she oversaw the growth of the order and its expansion to new countries.

Billiard was known for her holiness of life and her dedication to the poor. She was a tireless worker, and she often traveled long distances to visit the sisters in her care.

Billiard died in Namur, Belgium, on April 18, 1868. She was beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1930.

Legacy

Blessed Julie Billiard is remembered as a great educator and a pioneer in the field of Catholic education for girls. The Institute of Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur continues to operate schools and other educational institutions around the world. Billiard's legacy is one of faith, service, and education.

Additional Information

Here are some additional links to information about Blessed Julie Billiard:

• Institute of Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
• Catholic Online
• EWTN

The Life of Blessed Julie Billiard, Foundress of the Institute of Sisters of Notre Dame

by Philippe Durant

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2892 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	724 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE