In this new biography, Jo Ann Recker reveals the story of Francoise Blin de Bourdon (1756-1838) who, along with her close friend and spiritual advisor St. Julie Billiart, was co-foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Up until now, Francoise has remained relatively unknown, even to those within her congregation.Francoise was the daughter of aristocratic parents and grew up in a world of privilege and wealth on a country estate in Picardy, France. She was educated in the best schools for girls and was introduced to the court at Versailles, where she entertained promising offers of marriage. What made her leave this all behind? In an engaging, extensively documented work, Jo Ann Recker tells Francoise's story, detailing how she accomplished her work within the turmoil of the French Revolution and it aftermath, and describing her friendship with Julie Billiart.
