St Madeleine Sophie Barat

Madeleine Sophie Barat was born on the 12th of December in 1779. That is

over 200 years ago.

Sophie went to church to learn more about God. Sophie had to stand on the bench in church

for the priest to see her when she asked or answered a question.

She dressed her doll in a nun’s habit.

When she grew up she wanted to become a nun.

The schools were closed down because of the Revolution.

So her brother, Louis taught her Greek, Latin, mathematics,

geography, history and a lot of other things.

As she grew older she wanted to be a nun but her

dream ended when the revolution broke out and closed the convents and

schools.

Her brother’s friend, Father Varin, encouraged Sophie to make a religious community in Paris, to open schools for children.

These nuns later became the sisters of the Sacred Heart.

There was lots of work to do to make the school better but she and the three other nuns worked together.

Sophie took good care of the children and did some sewing for other people to make

money to buy food for herself and the children.

When Sophie was asked to be the head nun she trembled

and her face turned pale as she said yes. From then on

she was called Mother Barat.

So Mother Barat’s journey began. She traveled in a public coach to build new schools.

Mother Barat met more and more people to help her build the schools. They were always kind to her.

She sometimes had to give away her clothes and belongings to the needy.

Her door was always open like her heart. She would listen to anyone, anytime, whenever they needed her.

Mother Barat wanted the children to come to school because she wanted the children to learn.

For every boarding school she opened a free school.

Mother Barat always took a walk with a child who was in trouble. They would run around the garden and when they ran enough, they fed the lamb who followed them and Mother Barat would pick flowers and listen to the child talk.

Sometimes the Government had problems. Schools were closed

down. This made Mother Barat very sad and sick as well.

The sisters traveled across the seas to distant lands to build new schools, but not everything went as planned.

She was sick and ill but she still traveled.

Mother Barat always visited a child who was sick.

She read books and she played games.

Mother Barat loved children.

She worked hard all her life

St Madeleine Sophie Barat died on the 25th of

May, 1865.

But, millions of people remember her for what she

did -

Mother Madeleine

Sophie Barat founded the sisters of the Sacred Heart.

If it were not for her we would not have our

school, the International School of the Sacred Heart.

Who Can Count The Myriad Voices Hymn to St Madeline Sophie

You have known their hope and longing,You have known the heart of youth.You have cherished, you have loved them,You have brought them to the truth.  You have called us to this missionCalled to walk where you have led. Help us now to know the meaning Of the words which you have said.Sancta Sophia, ora pro nobis.

 You have loved the poor and lonely,You have heard the silent cry.You have paused and you have listenedWhen the world has passed them by. You have known each child is preciousAnd of such surpassing worthThat for one and one child onlyYou would go to the ends of the earth.Sancta Sophia, ora pro nobis.

You have known God’s mystic presence,

You have walked on sacred ground.

You have shown by contemplation

How the spirit can be found.

 

Teach us how to humbly listen,

Teach us how to humbly pray

That the love you drew from God’s heart

May fill each one’s heart today.

Sancta Sophia, ora pro nobis.