Foundresses Week

This week was Foundresses Week and I learned so much more than I thought I was going to learn. Unfortunately I was not able to participate in any of the activities because they all conflicted with my softball and school schedule, however through this class along with other things around NDNU I was still able to get a good grasp of the history of this institution. I also hope to attend the Sr. Dorothy Stang vigil tomorrow.

This week I learned quite a bit about the two Foundresses of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. I had previously heard about Julie Billiart because one of the dorm halls is names after her, but I never truly understood who she was or what she did. I had never heard of Francoise before this week, but I am glad I did get to learn a little bit about her life and story.

It was quite interesting to look at the backgrounds of these two women and how they were completely different. I find it inspiring that despite their different backgrounds, they still held the utmost respect for one another and were able to help create change together. The mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur is truly amazing and it is great to see that the mission still lives on today. The Hallmarks that they developed are something that can truly change peoples lives when they live by them and think about them each day. I am very proud to have learned these hallmarks as well as the history of the women who helped developed them. Foundresses week was definitelt something that helped open my eyes about the history of this school, and I am glad that the mission still continues on.