The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur are a Roman Catholic instituate of religious Sisters founded in order to provide educational opportunities for the poor in 1804 France. Shortly after its founding, opposition from the local bishop in Amiens, France prompted the Order to move its headquarters in 1809 to Namur, Belgium, from which it derived that portion of its name. Today, it is a worldwide organization. The founders of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur were Saint Julie Billiart and Marie-Louise-Françoise Blin de Bourdon, Countess of Gézaincourt, whose religious name was Mother Saint Joseph. Françoise Blin de Bourdon covered the initial expenses of the congregation. The two foundresses and their postulate, Catherine Duchatel, made their vows of chastity, to which they added devotion to the Christian education of girls, also determining to train religious teachers who would go wherever their services were needed. Others joined the same year. The Sisters opened their first schools in 1806, and found that there was an urgent need for Christian education among all classes of society, which led them to modify their original plan of teaching only the poor, opening schools for the children of wealthy parents as well. They used revenue earned from their paying academies to defray the costs of running the free schools. The group lived under a provisional rule that was based on the one that Saint Ignatius of Loyola gave to the Jesuits until 1818, when a more permanent Rule was adopted. Pope Paul VI canonized Saint Julie Billiart in 1969 and, urged by the Second Vatican Council, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur updated their constitutions in 1984, making their charism to make known God's goodness. To this end, in recent years they have been engaged in spirituality programs, legal aid, job training, and in other tasks designed to bring comfort and joy to people. In 1992, they established Notre Dame Mission Volunteers - Americorps, as a non-profit volunteer organization.
Recommended Resources
Presented in English and French, the site represents a facility operated by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in Namur, Belgium. The center offers periods of reflection and discussion on the life of Saint Julie for parishioners, alumna, associates, school administrators, teachers, staff and students. Its location, hours, and general information about the Sisters of Notre Dame are included.
http://www.snddenheritagecentre.org/
Notre Dame de Namur University
Formerly known as the College of Notre Dame, the private coeducational Catholic university is in Belmont, California. Founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1851, it is the third oldest college in California. Its academic, athletics, campus life, and alumni programs are highlighted, along with its admissions policies, a faculty and staff directory, and graduate programs.
http://www.ndnu.edu/
Notre Dame Spirituality Center
Owned and sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, and located in Ipswich, Massachusetts, the center offers a variety of workshops, retreats, and days of prayer for individuals and groups. Its programs and schedules are highlighted here, along with a description of the facilities, directions, and contacts. Also offered, spiritual direction offers an opportunity to meet with a companion.
http://www.notredamesc.org/
Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
Founded by Saint Julie Billiart, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur work with refugees in London, street children in Nairobi, immigrant farm workers in Florida, AIDS orphans in Zimbabwe, the homeless in Haiti, and throughout the world, primarily with women and children, who are among the most vulnerable. Its history, founders, leadership, and mission are put forth, and its locations are posted to the site.
https://www.sndden.org/
Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Tri-Province Development Program
The Tri-Province Development Program generates funding through its programs in support of the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in its Base Communities, Ohio East Province, and US East-West. Its history, stories from some of the Sisters, and its ministries are set forth. Other resources include its council, volunteer opportunities, and information about its Former SND Alumnae Association.
http://www.snddentriprov.org/
Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur UK
The Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur was founded in 1804 by Marie Rose Julie Billiart and Françoise Blin de Bourdon. The story of its founding, as well as its founders, is told, and an overview of the spirituality of the congregation is presented, along with gospel reflections, news and announcements relating to its missions and projects, as well as in the United Kingdom.
http://www.snduk.org/
Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Ohio
With a special emphasis on education, particularly of poor women and children, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur participate in a worldwide mission to spread the goodness of God beyond the boundaries of nations, states or tribes. Its history, founders, and actions for justice are put forward. Schedules and contacts are posted to the site, along with obituaries of departed Sisters.
http://www.sndohio.org/
