St. Julia Billiart

St. Julia Billiart was born in 1751 in France. From a very young age, she loved religious studies. She dedicated her time to teaching the poor. When she was 22, someone shot at her father while she was sitting next to him. As a result of the shock, she was partially paralyzed. After having a vision, she founded the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur with another young woman. The order was devoted to Christian education for girls. In 1804, she was miraculously cured of her paralysis. She then made her final vows in 1805 and was elected mother general of the congregation. St. Julia Billiart is patron saint of sick people.