Inclusion Awareness challenges us to notice how our congregation welcomes persons with disabilities and differences. Our patron saint is a perfect example of the achievements made by someone despite physical limitations.

Mary Rose Julie Billiart was born on July 12, 1751 in the small French village of Cuvilly. Because Julie excelled in her religious studies, she was invited to receive her First Holy Communion at the age of nine. By age 14, she knew she would dedicate her life to God.

Because her family needed her help, Julie worked on neighboring farms at harvest time. During lunch breaks, Julie taught her fellow farm workers bible stories and hymns or spoke about virtue and faith.

One evening when Julie and her father were closing their small store, someone threw a large stone through the window and a gunshot was heard. Though no one was hurt, this act of violence traumatized Julie. This, along with the exhaustion from her field work, caused her great physical pain and she began to lose the use of her legs. Over time, she became completely paralyzed and by age 22, she was reduced physically for the next 30 years. She was still able to teach those who came to her and enjoyed helping prepare children for First Holy Communion.

Julie received a vision of Jesus on Calvary surrounded by a group of nuns with the promise, “Behold these spiritual daughters whom I give you in an Institute marked by the Cross.” She wondered if a woman as disabled as she, a simple, uneducated peasant, could be chosen by God to establish a religious congregation?

A group of young women began to meet regularly to seek her guidance about prayer life and spiritual enlightenment. In 1804, Julie vowed herself to God and promised to devote herself to the education of young girls, especially the poor. This was the founding of the Sisters of Notre Dame.

At the time, one of the Fathers of the Faith dedicated a nine-day novena to the restoration of Julie’s good health. It was then that after many years Julie was miraculously cured of paralysis. As she said so often, she spoke the words, “How Good is the Good God.” The Sisters of Notre Dame expanded to several countries. Their work was educating children, especially the poor.

The Archdiocese of Chicago includes persons with physical disabilities in worship. We visualize the ways to include all persons in worship, ministry, fellowship and learning. Parishioners can focus on ways our congregation can remove barriers to participation and create welcoming environments for all. Please note how our facilities can be more accessible so our congregation can open our hearts, minds and doors to share each person’s gifts every day of the year.

Julie Zvitkovits