Francoise Blin de Bourdon, Woman of Influence: The Story of the Cofoundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame, and: "Tres affectueusement, votre mere en Dieu": Francoise Blin--French Aristocrat, Belgian Citizen, Co-Foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (1756-1838) (review)

Abstract

These two biographies of Françoise Blin de Bourdon follow a similar pattern of development. Introductory chapters describe her life prior to her accompanying Julie Billiart in the founding of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. The chronological presentation continues through Françoise's years as Mother St. Joseph, companion to Julie and her successor as mother general. As the headings indicate, one volume assumes the reader's knowledge of French and therefore does not include translations of the numerous excerpts from the letters and other writings of Françoise Blin. Though the title of the Belgian Library text includes de Namur, while the other text states simply Sisters of Notre Dame, both books stress the significance of the move of the community from France to Belgium and its adjustment to the oversight of the Dutch/Netherlands government from 1815 to 1830. With her background in modern languages, notably French, Professor Recker also draws on the reflections of women literary scholars such as Carolyn Heilbrun, Adrienne Rich, and Brenda Daly. Woman of Influence highlights Françoise as companion and friend of Julie Billiart. Votre mère en Dieu recounts Françoise's admission that she appreciates being addressed as Mère (though she knows Julie prefers Sister) for its connotation of loving concern for the happiness of others.