Sacred Heart Opens Door to Accessibility
August 21, 2025
“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) brings together past pupils, students, staff, and all those with a connection to Notre Dame schools and colleges across the country, of which there are two in the Diocese of East Anglia.
The congregation was founded in 1804 by St Julie Billiart, who dedicated her life to the education of the daughters of the poor. While some Notre Dame schools have since closed, and others have merged into new institutions — for example, Mount Pleasant College of Education in Liverpool joined with two other colleges to form Liverpool Hope University — many still flourish today. These schools continue to uphold the Notre Dame ethos and crest, carrying St Julie’s joyful words: “Ah, qu’il est bon, le bon Dieu” (“Ah, how good is the good God”). Today, they welcome both girls and boys into this rich tradition.
The BFNDA was founded in 1928 with a clear mission: to unite past pupils “for mutual assistance,” to further Catholic education and interests, to promote initiatives that required the voice of educated Catholic women, and to support the welfare of the Notre Dame congregation.
Each year, the Federation holds a September “Weekend Away”, which combines its AGM with opportunities for fellowship. Participants enjoy a programme that typically includes a visit to a local place of interest (with coffee and cake, naturally), a celebratory dinner with an inspiring speaker, and the chance to rekindle old friendships or form new ones.
Beyond its social gatherings, the BFNDA plays a vital role in supporting Notre Dame projects worldwide. The Sisters continue to work in underprivileged and often dangerous communities, bringing essentials such as clean water and education — frequently in places where teaching girls is actively opposed. By pooling resources and working together, alumni associations significantly strengthen these missionary efforts, living out St Julie’s vision of faith in action.
Although local associations are fewer today, the Federation welcomes direct members who wish to remain connected to the Notre Dame family and its mission.
For more information, visit bfnda.org or contact Francesca Flynn at francesca@fmflynn.plus.com.
