Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat was born in France during the French Revolution. Her brother, Louis, became a Catholic priest and educated her in Latin, Greek, Spanish, Italian, science, theology, math, and history. Rarely were women at this time educated so well.
Being a priest during the French Revolution was very dangerous. Louis was in prison for years and nearly executed. Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat wanted to become a Carmelite but the Carmelite order was abolished in France during this time.
Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat met another priest who wanted to start a religious order of sisters. This order would be devoted to the Sacred Heart, and would educate young women, regardless of whether they were rich or poor.
Together they started the Society of the Sacred Heart. They opened more than 100 schools and accepted thousands of women in the order. One of these women was Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne who would bring the Society of the Sacred Heart to America.
Sophie the Giraffe, a French children's toy, is named after Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, because it first went into production on May 25, 1961, her feast day.
Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat is the patron saint of schoolgirls. Like Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, we can strive to do God’s will despite obstacles. When she couldn’t become a Carmelite, she started a different order. We can also emulate her efforts to treat all people with kindness and respect, no matter if they are rich or poor.