Friday, April 8, 2016

April 8: St. Julie Billiart

St. Julie Billiart

History

Julie was born in France. During breaks on the family farm, she would tell the other workers stories about Christ. When she was 30 years old, she suddenly became paralyzed. This didn’t stop her from teaching catechism or from hiding priests to keep them safe during the French Revolution. She also had to go into hiding. Then she lost her voice – and her ability to teach, which was the only thing she ever wanted to do. But the Lord granted her a beautiful vision of religious women surrounding Calvary. Julie soon met a wealthy young woman. Together, they started the order of teaching sisters Julie had seen in the vision – the Sisters of Notre Dame – and Julie suddenly got well. She traveled all over France and Belgium starting schools. 

Activity

Sometimes, even when we’re sure we’re doing what the Lord wants us to do, something can happen that gets in the way. It can be really hard to stay strong in faith during those periods of darkness. Even after Saint Julie Billiart lost her ability to teach, she didn’t lose her desire to teach, nor her trust in Jesus. In the long run, things worked out better than she could have imagined. Today, ask God to give you a vision for what He wants you to accomplish for Him. 

Saint Julie Billiart pray for us!


More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

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