SCPS - Campus Ministry

St. Julie Billiart (1751-1816) was an inspiring French nun renowned for her dedication to education and unwavering faith. As a child, Julie loved playing "school," and by the age of sixteen, she was teaching to help support her family. Her passion for religious studies was clear, and even after a tragic accident left her paralyzed for twenty-two years, her belief never faltered.

During the French Revolution, Julie opened her home to shelter loyal priests, putting herself at great risk. She dreamed of establishing a school focused on the Christian education of young girls, a vision that materialized with the creation of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. In 1804, Julie was miraculously healed and walked again for the first time in over two decades.

In 1805, alongside three companions, she took her final vows and became the Mother General of her congregation. Despite declining health, she continued to serve those in need, including caring for victims of the Battle of Waterloo.

Julie passed away on April 8, 1816, and was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1969. Her feast day is celebrated each year on April 8th.

Saint William of Eskilsoe was born around 1125 in Saint-Germain, France. He served as a canon at the Church of St. Genevieve in Paris under the renowned Abbot Suger.

Around 1170, the Bishop of Roskilde sent him to Denmark to reform the canons at Eskilsoe. For more than thirty years, William dedicated himself to improving the Eskilsoe community and positively impacting many other communities across Denmark.

He also played a crucial role in founding the Abbey of St. Thomas in Zeeland. St. William's commitment to religious reform and the establishment of church communities defined his mission in Denmark.

He passed away there, leaving behind a lasting legacy of devoted service and ecclesiastical enhancement.