MADDALENA SOFIA BARAT, saint. - Foundress of the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, b. at Joigny (Yonne department) on 12 Dec. 1779, d. at Paris on 24 May 1865. In her own brother Luigi, later Fr. Barat, she had a firm and resolute director, who, together with a broad religious and literary culture, imparted to her in a special way humility and generosity.
At the age of 20 she thought of entering Carmel; but Fr. J. Varin, who dreamed of a congregation wholly devoted to the education of girls, dissuaded her from it and inspired her with his idea; thus, on 21 Nov. 1800, B., with two companions, consecrated herself to God, and thus the Society of the Sacred Heart was born. A little later the religious women moved to Amiens. From 2 Dec. 1802 B. was superior of the community; as the foundations increased, in 1806 she was elected superior general and remained so until her death. Although in the early years she had to overcome serious difficulties, the Institute soon flourished splendidly; B. contributed to this through numerous journeys, conferences, general assemblies, and assiduous correspondence. At her death she left 86 houses in Europe and America and 3,500 religious.
She was beatified on 24 May 1908; canonized on 24 May 1925. Feast day: 25 May.