St. Madeline Sophie Barat

Madeleine Sophie Barat was born in France in 1779, the daughter of Jacques Barat, a cooper who also worked in the vineyards. Naturally bright, she was educated by her older brother Louis, a monk. As Madeline grew older, her brother feared she would be exposed to too much of the world, and so brought her to Paris with him. She wanted to be a Carmelite lay sister, but with Father Joseph Varin and three other postulants, she founded the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1801. Superior General of the Society at age 23, she held the position for 63 years. Receiving papal approval of the Society in 1826, she founded 105 houses in many countries; Saint Rose Phillippine Duschene and four companions brought the Society to the United States.

She died in France on May 25, 1865. Her Feast Day is May 25.