19th century
Feast: May 29
French nun who founded the Society of the Sacred Heart and revolutionized education for girls.
Madeleine Sophie Barat founded the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1800 (1779-1865). She established schools throughout Europe and America, providing quality education for girls of all social classes. Her educational philosophy emphasized both intellectual rigor and spiritual formation. She personally founded over 100 schools and convents. Canonized in 1925.