En Cristo · La barca del Padre

Santa Julia Billiart, virgen y fundadora

·11 min·1 clip

Why does the Gospel describe two disciples walking in sad silence, unable to recognize the risen Christ beside them?

The episode opens with a greeting and date, placing it in the Easter week. The host introduces the Gospel from Luke 24:13-35, the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. He describes their initial journey as sad and silent, marked by disappointment and unrecognized faith. The host analyzes their psychological state, noting they did not believe in the resurrection despite reports. He contrasts this with their return journey, which is joyful and eager after encountering Christ. The host explains that Christ joined them, let them speak their doubts, and explained the scriptures. Recognition came during the breaking of bread, though Christ vanished afterward. The host interprets this as Luke's catechesis on Christ's presence for later generations. He identifies three moments of presence: in the fraction of bread, proclamation of word, and community, linking them to the Mass. The host emphasizes Easter as ongoing healing and salvation, not just a memory. He poses reflective questions about witnessing and inviting others to community. The episode then shifts to celebrate St. Julia Billiart's feast day on April 8th. Julia was born in 1752 in Quivillí, France, to a farming family. She showed early compassion for the sick and made her first communion at age nine. As a teenager, she worked in the fields and was called 'the Saint' by some. During the French Revolution, she fled persecution with her family. In Amiens, she met Francisca Blin de Bourdon, her collaborator, and with Father José Berén, founded the Institute of Our Lady. The institute focused on children's spiritual care and catechist formation, later adding an orphanage. It expanded across Europe after imperial approval in 1806. Julia suffered paralysis after a traumatic incident involving a firearm attack on her father. Bedridden for 22 years, she received daily Eucharist and prayed for hours. During a novena on the Feast of the Sacred Heart, a priest named Enfantin urged her to take a step in faith, and she miraculously walked again. This led to a fruitful period of founding convents until her death in 1816 while reciting the Magnificat. She was beatified in 1906 and canonized in 1969 by Paul VI. The host concludes with a blessing, tying Julia's life to the Easter message of resurrection.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from En Cristo