On May 24, 1925, Pope Pius XI declared Madeleine Sophie Barat a saint of the Roman Catholic Church. This momentous occasion marked the culmination of a long process of recognizing the extraordinary life and profound impact of the foundress of the Society of the Sacred Heart.
A Life of Dedication
Born in 1779, Madeleine Sophie experienced the turmoil of the French Revolution firsthand. Despite these challenges, she felt a strong call to religious life and dedicated herself to educating young women. Her vision transcended traditional models, emphasizing not just intellectual growth, but also the formation of character, spiritual development, and a commitment to social justice.
An International Legacy
Madeleine Sophie’s influence extended far beyond her native France. The Society of the Sacred Heart, under her guidance, established schools and communities across Europe, North America, and beyond. These institutions became renowned for their academic excellence and their emphasis on educating young women to become leaders in their communities.
A Model of Faith and Action
Madeleine Sophie’s canonization resonated deeply with the challenges of the 20th century. Her life exemplified a powerful blend of faith and action, demonstrating how Christian principles could be applied to address the social and educational needs of a changing world. Her emphasis on the importance of community, service, and the education of women continues to inspire educators and social reformers today.
A Lasting Impact
Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat’s legacy continues to thrive through the ongoing work of the Society of the Sacred Heart. Her canonization serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith, education, and a commitment to serving others.
Celebrations around the Society
In Australia-New Zealand, a Mass will be held in honor of the 100th anniversary of the canonisation of St Madeline Sophie at 2 pm (AEST – Australian Eastern Standard Time), on May 24, 2025, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, a Eucharistic celebration will be held in the Chapel of the Villa Lante in Rome, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the canonisation of St Madeline Sophie. More details will be posted here at a later date.
For events in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Egypt, please go here (in French): https://www.religieusesdusacrecoeur.com/agenda/
Additional information and links regarding celebrations around the Society will be published here as they become available.
Resources
Resources from the Province of BFN (in French) can be downloaded below.
Section |International News|Society Celebrations: Centennial of the Canonisation of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat
Tags |Canonisation|Canonización|Madeleine Sophie Barat|Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat|Sainte Madeleine-Sophie Barat
