St. Madeleine Sophie Barat: Courageous Visionary for Women


Today, May 29, we honor St. Madeleine Sophie Barat. She was born in Joigny, France on December 12, 1779, the third child of a Burgundy vine-grower and barrel-maker.

As a young child, Madeleine Sophie showed exuberance, optimism, good judgment and common sense as well as a strong dedication to God. Louis, her older brother and a priest, was responsible for her early education. At an early age, Madeleine became skilled in Latin, Greek, Spanish and Italian. He also instructed her in the Bible, the teachings of the Fathers of the Church, and theology. 

Through her brother, she met Father Varin who desired to found a female counterpart of the Jesuits which should do for girls' education what they did for boys' education.

On November 21st, 1800, Madeleine with three companions dedicated herself to the Sacred Heart and so the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was begun. From the first house at Amiens it was to spread in the lifetime of its foundress all over Europe and to Africa and America, and its boarding schools have become famous.

Madeleine's energy in extending the work was seconded by her reliance on God which enabled her to succeed in times of great difficulty. "Too much work is a danger to an imperfect soul,' she said, 'but for one who loves our Lord it is an abundant harvest."

Madeleine Sophie Barat was a courageous visionary who fought fiercely for the education of girls at a time when the education of females was almost wholly ignored. In fact, during the early 1800's, it was basically unheard of for a girl to receive a sound education. St. Madeleine Sophie Barat believed that all girls, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, should have the right to an education. She envisioned communities of learning, stretching around the world, which would provide girls with a complete and well-rounded education.

n May 25, 1865, the Feast of the Ascension, Madeleine Sophie Barat died at the age of 85. Her body, incorrupt, is in Jette, Belgium. She was beatified in 1908 and canonized in 1925.

Quotes:

"Be humble, be simple, and bring joy to others."

"Let us attach ourselves to God alone, and turn our eyes and our hopes to Him."

"To suffer myself, and not to make others suffer."

"Our Lord who saved the world through the Cross will only work for the good of souls through the Cross."

"God does not ask of us the perfection of tomorrow, nor even of tonight, but only of the present moment."

"Your example, more than words, will be an eloquent lesson to the world."

~ St. Madeleine Sophie Barat

Prayer to St. Madeleine Sophie 

St. Madeleine Sophie, wonderfully chosen by God to make the Divine Heart of Jesus known and loved, and ever faithful to that apostolate, accept this day our confidence and prayers in proof of our allegiance. Guide us in the path of meekness and humility; set our hearts on fire with the zeal with which thine own was devoured; protect us, that we may deserve to see our names written in that most Sacred Heart, and to make in It our home for time and for eternity. Amen.
-

Comments

Post a Comment

Comments are moderated and are published at the blogger's discretion.

Blog Archive

Show more

Popular posts from this blog

The Spirituality and Miracles of St. Clare of Assisi

Image
August 11 is the memorial of St. Clare, one of my favorite saints. She was the first woman to follow the life of radical poverty practiced by St. Francis of Assisi and is the co-founder of the Poor Clares. Although I am not a Franciscan, I have had Franciscan friends, clergy, and spiritual directors instruct me on the beauty of St. Clare's spirituality. I have also learned a great deal from reading about her over the years. Clare and Francis (2007) is a film which depicts the fascinating story of her dramatic conversion and surrender to the will of God. St. Clare is the patron saint of television. She is also the patron of eye disorders, embroiderers, good weather, and telephones. The Contemplative Life The Lady Clare was born into a noble family in Assisi in 1193 and was admired for her great beauty. When she heard Francis of Assisi preach his Lenten homilies at the Church of San Giorgio, she was captivated by his words. At age eighteen, she heard him say: "When the
Read more

Saint Michael de Sanctis: Patron of Cancer Patients

Image
Today is the feast of Saint Michael de Sanctis, also known as St. Michael of the Saints, a Spanish Discalced Trinitarian priest, the patron of cancer patients. Michael Argemir was born on September 29, 1591 at Vic, Catalonia, Spain. At age 6, he told his parents that he planned to become a monk and began modeling his life after Saint Francis of Assisi. Michael’s parents died when he was about ten years old. He then served as an apprentice with a local merchant. During this apprenticeship, he continued his fervent devotion to the Lord, especially to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. At the age of 12, he joined the Trinitarian Friars at Barcelona, taking his vows at St. Lambert’s monastery in Saragosa four years later.  Shortly afterwards, Michael expressed a desire to join the reformed group of Trinitarians and was given permission to do so. He went to the Novitiate at Madrid and, after studies at Seville and Salamanca, he was ordained a priest. Twice he served as Superior of the hou
Read more

Saint Gerard of Brogne: Patron of Abbots

Image
St. Gerard was born to a noble family in Staves, Belgium, in 895. He descended from a royal line of military men and at first felt a share in this call to arms. He trained for the army and, as a page of the count of Namur, he was sent on a special mission to the French court. There, Gerard realized that he was being called to the monastic life. He stayed in France and joined the Benedictines of St. Denis, abandoning his noble birthright and all his worldly possessions. He spent eleven years in France as a monk before becoming a priest. Following his ordination, he left for Belgium in order to found a new abbey on his own estate of Brogne. He was its abbot for twenty-two years and during that period was instrumental in introducing St. Benedict's Rule into numerous houses in Flanders, Lorraine and Champagne.He became known for his engaging sweetness of temper, his strict observance of the Rule of St. Benedict and for the replacement of lukewarm religious practice with true piety.
Read more