April 8: Saint Julie Billiart

Today, April 8, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Julie Billiart (1751-1816) , visionary and virgin of the Church. Born to wealthy farmers in Cuvilly, France, Julie displayed an aptitude and interest in religion from an early age. By age seven, she had reportedly memorized the Catechism, and her local priest allowed her to make her First Eucharist and Confirmation at age nine, well before the expected age of thirteen. At that time, her love for the Lord compelled her to a make a vow of chastity, pledging to remain a virgin in service to God. She became known as the “saint of Cuvilly” by those who encountered her, due to her virtue and grace.


At approximately age 16, Julie’s family suffered a financial crisis, and Julie left school—which she enjoyed deeply—to work in the fields for her parents. During breaks, Julie could often be found sitting in the hay mounds, reciting Scriptures for the other laborers, telling parables, or instructing from the Catechism.

Julie and her family lived in dangerous times, and when she was approximately 30 (as the French Revolution approached), Julie witnessed an attempt on her father’s life. He violent event left her so shaken that she gradually became paralyzed and bed-ridden, a state she would remain in for nearly 21 years. During that time, Julie continued to teach to those who visited her bedside. She spent hours each day in prayer and contemplation, and became known for her spiritual direction and advice. Despite her condition, Julie remained peaceful, known for her gentle smile and kind eyes. Her favorite expression, even in her suffering, came to be “How good is the good God.”

Julie’s devotion to Catholicism, and her willingness to harbor local and visiting priests attracted the attention of French authorities who prohibited such behaviors. Subsequently, Julie was forced to leave her home (smuggled out by friends covered by hay in a hay cart), and spent the next several years being moved from place to place to avoid detection and arrest. It was during this time of great fear that Julie received a vision from the Lord. In her vision, she witnessed herself and a group of women dressed in religious habit—a habit she had never seen before—standing beside the crucified Christ on Calvary. A voice proclaimed, "Behold these spiritual daughters whom I give you in an Institute marked by the cross."

With the assistance of a wealthy young woman who had harbored her during her avoidance of the French authorities, Julie founded the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur—an order devoted to religious instruction of the poor, and the training of Catechists. One year later, Julie was miraculously cured of her paralysis. Elected Mother General of the order, under her guidance the Sisters of Notre Dame grew, spreading their charism throughout France and Europe. Over 15 convents were established, with Mother Julie traveling on foot to each of them (over 120 journeys), despite her again failing health. When the Napoleonic Wars put the convents in the path of advancing armies, Mother Julie became ill with anxiety, praying with zeal, and the convents were spared. She and her order nursed the wounded following the battle of Waterloo, a physical and emotional task from which Julie never recovered. Three months later, following constant suffering without complaint, Saint Julie Billiart died peacefully while reciting the Magnificat.

Saint Julie Billiart is remembered for her great love of the Lord, and her overwhelming charity to those around her. She instructed the poor, laborers, young women—those who frequently were overlooked by the educational institutions of the time—and demonstrated great love and faith. Saint Julie embraced her suffering, uniting her physical and emotional pains with the crucified Christ, and experiencing a bodily recovery through her faith and confidence in the Resurrection. Her simple recognition of the Lord’s goodness guided her every action, leading her to a life of holiness and service.

The life of Saint Julie Billiart reminds us that the love of the Lord enables us to overcome all obstacles. Despite loss, hardship, and paralysis, Julie never lost hope and confidence in the goodness of the Lord. How frequently do we lose site of the love and care of our living God?

Prayer to St. Julie Billiart


Saint Julie, through your great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, you were miraculously cured and favored by many graces. By your powerful intercession, obtain for us above all, great trust in God in all the difficulties of life, the strength to accomplish in all things the adorable will of God, and the special grace we now ardently ask of you. Amen.



Day 98 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Trust in the Lord.
Requested Intentions: Restoration of a marriage (J); For a friend’s daughter, seeking medical treatment for a blood disorder (D); For the grace and conversion of a loved one (Z); For a beloved son’s return to the faith (A); For the improved health and recovery of a mother (G); For health, blessings, and protection (K); For an improvement in a difficult employment situation (T); For a family member’s recovery from surgery (D); For the victims of an automobile accident (D); For peace of mind and health (J); For the love of a romantic partner (S).