Madeleine Sophie Barat is a modern saint, whose achievements are well-documented and still affect others today. Born in the 1700's, she was well-educated and pious, a combination which served her all of her life. Supported and guided by l'Abbe Varin, the Society of the Sacred Heart was formed. The society was dedicated to the education of all Christian children, and received formal approval from the Pope during Madeleine's life. She spent her life in the formation of the Society and in the proper continual running of it. The Society lives on, not only a triumph for the Catholic educational system, but as a personal triumph for Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat.
Madeleine's Birth and Family Circumstances
Madeleine was born in Joigny, Burgundy, France on December 12, 1779 to Jacques Barat, a vine-dresser, and his wife, Madeleine Foufe. All sources indicate that her older brother, Louis, had a great effect on her early life. Some sources indicate that Louis, her senior by eleven years, was harsh and stubborn despite his piety. Other sources claim he oversaw her education with patience. Whatever his treatment of her, it is well-documented that he provided for her early education, which was exceptional and was more extensive than many males of the time.
Religious Calling and Early Life of Madeleine
Madeleine apparently demonstrated deep faith and a desire for religious life from her early years. Her brother Louis took her to Paris, where she met the Abbe Joseph Varin d'Ainville, who was to change the course of her life. Father Varin had a mission he had adopted from Leonor de Tournely, which was to found an order of women dedicated to Jesus and to the education of children, especially girls. It was his hope that this society would be the female equivalent of the Society of Jesus. Father Varin organized a group of women, whom formed a congregation in 1800 and moved to Aimes. In 1802, a school was formed and Madeline was declared the superior and principle of the school.
The Society of the Sacred Heart Spreads
The Society of the Sacred Heart and it's schools, dedicated to the education of all Christian children- rich and poor, girl and boy- spread quickly. Madeleine herself was responsible for the establishment of over 80 foundations. Despite contention over her young age and the ill-will of a chaplain priest in Aimes, Madeleine was named superior general of the entire order in 1806, a post she held for over 60 years, until her death. The order had institutes in multiple countries in short order, among them America (1818), South America (1853), England (1842), and multiple countries throughout Europe. Pope Leo XII formally approved the order in 1826.
Death and Sainthood of Madeleine
Madeleine is said to have predicted her own death, which took place on Ascension Thursday. She died on May 25, 1865 in Paris, at the Society's motherhouse. May 25th is her feast day. Her body was said to be incorrupt- not showing signs of decay- both in 1893, when she was exhumed, and in 1908, when she was exhumed again and moved to Belgium. Madeleine was beatified in 1908 by Pope St. Pius X, and was canonized on May 24, 1925 by Pope Pius XI, becoming Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat.
A Lasting and Successful Contribution to Society
Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat impacted an untold number of children's lives through her actions, the Society of the Sacred Heart providing education and hope to many children who would have been left bereft. She made a wonderful contribution to the Church with her life of pious and loving actions. Even more, with the continued success and work of the Society of the Sacred Heart, Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat made a lasting and successful contribution to all human society.
Sources:
Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. (2001). The Encyclopedia of Saints. Visionary Living, Inc. Checkmark Books, New York, NY
Paul, Tessa. (2009). The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Saints. Lorenz Books, Anness Publishing Ltd. London, UK.
Power, Alice. (2007). Madeleine-Sophie Barat, Venerable. The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1914. Catholic Answers (2007), San Diego, CA. Link to article.
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