Vital lessons from the lesser-known saint, Julie Billiart

Today, April 8, marks the feast of a saint whose name might not ring bells for many Catholics — yet her life echoes with the kind of hope and resilience we all long for in our most difficult seasons. St. Julie Billiart, a French woman born in the 18th century, quietly lived a life that speaks volumes to the challenges young people face today.

In a world saturated with noise, hustle, and pressure to “have it all together” -- while, of course, looking your best -- Julie’s story offers a refreshing message: You can shine through life's toughest challenges.

At just 22, Julie was struck by a mysterious illness (likely trauma-induced), leaving her paralyzed and bedridden for over two decades. In our age of instant gratification, the idea of sitting with pain for even two days feels unbearable. Julie lived it for 20 years — without Netflix, without distraction, and yet, not without joy.

Instead of succumbing to despair, Julie taught catechism lessons from her bed. She prayed fervently. She encouraged others. Her spiritual strength was magnetic — people were drawn to her for wisdom and comfort, even though she herself couldn’t move.

In a time when mental health struggles and burnout affect so many young adults, Julie’s story reminds us: Your worth is not measured by your socially-accepted productivity. You can live a deeply meaningful life even when life doesn’t look “Instagram perfect.”

At age 53, after years of prayer and suffering, Julie was suddenly healed — she stood and walked for the first time in decades. Instead of retreating into a quiet life, she co-founded the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, a community devoted to educating poor girls and reminding them of their dignity in God’s eyes.

She could have made her healing the story. But for Julie, the miracle wasn’t the end — it was the beginning. She had been formed thanks to her challenges, and now she was ready to share that inner strength with the world.

This is something today’s youth need to hear: Your pain can have purpose. Healing isn’t just about feeling better — it’s about becoming the person you were always meant to be.

In times when belief in a good God can feel shaky — especially when things go wrong — Julie's unwavering joy is a quiet challenge. Her simple motto, “Ah, qu’il est bon, le bon Dieu!” (“Oh, how good is the good God!”), wasn’t born out of a comfortable life, but from one filled with suffering, uncertainty, and sacrifice.

Yet, even in pain, she believed God was good. That kind of faith? That’s revolutionary.

Joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of purpose. Julie's joy didn’t come from perfect circumstances but from knowing she was loved by God and useful to His plan.

God uses the weak — and the waiting. Whether you’re feeling stuck, tired, or directionless, God can still do beautiful things through your “in-between” seasons.

Invest in others, even when you're hurting. Julie taught and lifted others up even when she couldn’t lift herself from bed. Sometimes, healing comes through serving.

Cling to hope — fiercely. Whether you're praying for physical healing, emotional peace, or clarity in your vocation, Julie's life is a testament to the power of hopeful perseverance.