
Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat
Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat (1779–1865) was a French religious educator who founded the Society of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic religious community dedicated to the education of girls and young women. She believed in providing quality education rooted in faith, fostering intellectual growth, and empowering students to lead moral and meaningful lives. Her work emphasized compassion, respect, and the importance of developing the whole person—mind, heart, and spirit. Her legacy continues through schools worldwide, inspiring generations to pursue education as a means of personal and societal transformation.