Be like the sunflower that follows every movement of the sun, and keep your eyes always turned towards our good God,”

St Julie Billiart

 

The British Federation of Notre Dame (de Namur) Associations (BFNDA) connects past pupils, students, staff, and anyone linked to Notre Dame schools and colleges across the UK. Founded by St Julie Billiart in 1804 to educate daughters of the poor, the Notre Dame order has evolved. Some schools have closed, while others have merged into new institutions like Liverpool Hope University (where Mount Pleasant College of Education joined with two other colleges). Many still thrive, upholding the Notre Dame ethos and St Julie’s motto: “Ah, qu’il est bon, le bon Dieu” (“Ah, how good he is, the good God”), and now also educate boys.

 

BFNDA was formed in 1928 to bring together past pupils, “for mutual assistance”, “for the furtherance of Catholic education and interests”, “to formulate and promote movements requiring the support of educated Catholic women” and “the welfare of Notre Dame (de Namur)”.

 

Its annual ‘Weekend Away’ combines an AGM with social activities such as local outings, shared meals, and guest speakers – offering a chance to reconnect and build new friendships.

 

The current federation has an annual ‘Weekend Away’, which combines an AGM with social activities such as local outings, shared meals, and guest speakers – offering a chance to meet old friends and colleagues and form new friendships with people from elsewhere.

​

A very important aspect of the organization is the support it has given and continues to give to Notre Dame projects around the world. The sisters have communities dedicated to helping under-privileged and frequently dangerous areas. There are projects which bring basic commodities, such as fresh water, to very poor areas as well as education, often where there is violent opposition. The achievements of alumni groups which support the missionary work of the Notre Dame order and fulfill the aims of St Julie Billiart are greatly enhanced when co-operating through BFNDA.