The Walking Love of God: Saint Julie Billiart

Marie Rose Julie Billiart, now known as St. Julie Billiart, lived from 1751 to 1816 in France and Belgium. Her life, though, is particularly relevant today. During the turmoil of the French Revolution when the Church was persecuted and people beheaded, she inspired hope. She founded a religious congregation to teach the thousands of orphans who wandered the streets, especially girls. She helped restore the faith in France. Although Julie was paralyzed for twenty-three years, frequently wracked with pain, and hounded by the revolutionaries, she never ceased trusting in the "good God" and teaching about him. She was patient in suffering, both physical and psychological. Priests usurped her authority as superior of her community and spread vicious tales about her. A cantankerous bishop thwarted her plans. Her most loved sisters turned against her. Through all these trials, she never failed in charity. After a miraculous healing at the age of fifty-two, she made one hundred and twenty journeys many times on foot, founding schools and convents. Her wit, laughter, and charm made her appealing to children, wealthy ladies, and innkeepers. Not only is she a delightful woman, someone you'd enjoy having lunch with, but she is a model of strong faith and indomitable courage. Meeting Julie in the pages of this book, you can't help but be astonished at her extraordinary life. No doubt you will treasure some of her sayings, such as, "Better mistakes than paralysis!"St. Julie's spirit lives on in her daughters, the Sisters of Notre Dame in three congregations. Like her, they proclaim, "How good is the good God."