Connections to the Charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
A story started over 200 years ago…
1804: Foundation Amiens, France
1809: Motherhouse moved to Namur
Do you know when the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur first arrived in your area?
And continues today…
Julie’s Charism:
To spread everywhere the Gospel message that God is indeed good:
Trust in God and in God’s creation
An optimistic stance toward life
Faith rooted in God’s goodness
What was her spirit and wisdom?
Julie encouraged in her sisters deep union with God, liberty of spirit, and courage: qualities needed for an apostolic vocation.
Julie’s way is a way marked by:
Simplicity: A single-hearted response to God’s goodness
Belief that “as the sunflower turns toward the sun, so should we always turn toward our good God”
Obedience: centrality of prayer
A heart attuned to God & A will to respond
–Discerning the signs of the times
–Awareness…Analysis…Response
Charity: Love for God’s people
Reverence for each person’s dignity
Inclusive of all – “hearts as wide as the world”
Community building
Joy and confidence,
By contemplative prayer and action,
By perseverance in the face of difficulties
Preference for the poor in the most abandoned places
Rooted in dignity of each person
Service directly with the poor
Action on behalf of the poor
Loyalty to the Church
Healthy tension of charism and institutional authority
The Cross
She frequently reminded them of the words she heard atCompiègne, "Behold the daughters I will give you in the Institute which will be marked by my cross."
Julie’s way is to
Is to stand with Mary at the foot of the Cross: In the spirit of Mary, In the virtue of Mary, In the strength and power of Mary.
Charism revisited…
A spark from the Heart of God dropped into the heart of an Founder/ress to:
Gift the Church
Illumine part of the Gospel
Attract others
Ignite the flame of a community
Build the Kingdom
Continue to burn as needed
How is your way marked by:
The desire to make known God’s goodness
Deep union with God, liberty of spirit, and courage
Simplicity, obedience, charity
Joy & confidence,contemplation in action, perseverance in the face of difficulties.
Preference for the poor in the most abandoned places (Hearts wide as the world)
Loyalty to the Church
Being Sister/Brother to Mary?
How is God calling you to live out your baptismal call to holiness?
Based on: Characteristics for a Notre Dame Mission Spirituality by Sr. Elizabeth Marie Bowyer SNDdeN
Formatted by: Sr. Kim Dalgarn SNDdeN