History of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
1. The Beginning: St. Julie Billiart
The story of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur begins with St. Julie Billiart, born on 12 July 1751 in Cuvilly, France.
Julie grew up in a humble family and developed a deep love for God from an early age. She was particularly concerned about people who were poor, marginalized and deprived of education.
Her life was marked by considerable suffering. For about 22 years she was unable to walk, yet she continued to pray, teach the faith and encourage people around her. Her spirituality was deeply rooted in trust in the goodness of God.
This experience eventually became central to the spirituality of the congregation:
“How good is the good God!”
The congregation today expresses its mission as making known God's goodness, especially among people who are poor and abandoned.
2. Julie Billiart and Françoise Blin de Bourdon
An important part of the story is Julie's friendship with Françoise Blin de Bourdon, a woman from an aristocratic family.
The two women met in 1794 in Amiens. Although they came from very different backgrounds, they developed a profound friendship based on faith.
Françoise was eventually known in religious life as Sister St. Joseph.
Their friendship became one of the foundations of the new congregation. Together they dreamed of a religious community dedicated particularly to the education and formation of young girls, especially those who were poor.
This is important because the SNDdeN story was never simply about establishing convents. From the beginning, it was about education as a means of transforming lives and society.
3. The Foundation — 1804
On 2 February 1804, Julie Billiart, Françoise Blin de Bourdon and Catherine Duchâtel consecrated themselves to God.
This date is regarded as the birthday of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
Their initial commitment was to Christian instruction and the education of young girls. Julie and her companions particularly wanted to prepare teachers who could bring education to rural communities.
The congregation was originally founded in Amiens, France, as the Sisters of Notre Dame.
4. Julie's Healing and the Expansion of the Mission
One of the most remarkable moments in Julie's life came in 1804.
After approximately 22 years of paralysis, she regained the ability to walk following prayers connected with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This event profoundly changed the possibilities for her apostolic ministry.
Julie could now travel.
And she travelled extensively.
She began establishing communities and schools in different parts of France and Belgium. Her vision was not limited to one town or one country.
She believed that the Sisters should be ready to go wherever they were needed.
