MADDALENA SOFIA BARAT, Saint. — Foundress of the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, born at Joigny (Yonne department) on 12 Dec. 1779, died in Paris on 24 May 1865. She had in her brother Luigi, later Fr. Barat, a strong and decisive director who, alongside a broad religious and literary culture, especially taught her humility and generosity.
At the age of twenty she thought of entering the Carmelites; but Fr. J. Varin, who dreamed of a congregation entirely devoted to the education of young girls, dissuaded her, enthusing her with his idea; thus on 21 Nov. 1800 the Blessed with two companions consecrated themselves to God and thus the Society of the Sacred Heart was born. Shortly afterwards the nuns moved to Amiens. The Blessed was superior of the community from 2 Dec. 1802; as foundations grew she was elected superior general in 1806 and remained in that office until her death. Despite having to overcome serious difficulties in the early years, the Institute soon flourished splendidly, to which the Blessed contributed through numerous journeys, conferences, general assemblies and assiduous correspondence. At her death she left 86 houses in Europe and America and 3,500 nuns.
She was beatified on 24 May 1908; canonized on 24 May 1925. Feast day 25 May.