Saint Madeleine Sophie of Barat

Saint Madeleine Sophie (http://www.havelshouseofhistory.com/Barat,%20Sophie.jpg)

Saint Madeleine Sophie was born on December 12,1779 in Joigny, Burgundy, and the following morning she was baptised. Madeleine was the youngest of her family, her brother, Louis, who was eleven years older then she was her source of education. He taught her Latin, Greek, Spanish, Italian, history, and natural science. Madeleine Sophie dreamt of being a part of the religious life and she was about to have that dream come true.

Madeleine Sophie's brother called her to Paris to begin her education in the religious life. In Paris Madeleine met Fater Varin who was the key instrument in fulfilling her dream of submitting herself to God. Father Varin wanted to create something for women allowing them to dedicate their life to God or the Sacred Heart of Jesus as young men had. Madeleine was the perfect candidate. She aspired to do something like that and she had a fire in her that shone brilliantly through. Madeleine Sophie and three others made their first consecration November 21, 1800, which is the very date the foundation of the Society of the Sacred Heart began. The following September the first convent was opened in Amiens. Madeleine was now teaching there. On June 7, 1802 Madeleine Sophie Barat and Genevieve Deshayes took their vows to become an official part of the Society of the Sacred Heart. While the Society of the Sacred Heart was spreading like wildfire everywhere, and Sophie was soon to receive a great honor.

In the year of 1802 Madeleine Sophie was named Superior. She was the youngest of all the women but by far the most qualified. The first act of Madeleine Sophie was to kiss all of the feet of all the other sisters. Madeleine Sophie was Superior for sixty-three years, making over 100 different schools. She died in Paris on May 21.

Sacred Heart (http://images.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en-us&q=sacred+heart&btnG=Search+Images)

Madeleine Sophie was motivated by God. She wanted a Christian society for women not just men. She wanted education for girls and she wanted to be able to give it to them. Madeleine Sophie believed that there could be more out there for women, so she sought it out. She looked for it and she found it, and once she found her way she made it possible.

Saint Madeleine Sophie changed the Christian world for women. Madeleine Sophie began, with help of others, the society of the Sacred Heart. She was able to educate young women. She had so much passion for what she did that people followed and respected her. She is a true hero because she was a passionate person. She is still an inspiration to people today. You can use her as an example to never let go of your dreams. No matter what you do, you always have to reach for the stars and you can achieve great things.