Childhood

Madeleine Sophie was born on December 12, 1779 in Joigny, France. When her mother was giving birth to her, a terrible fire was going on. She was a very weak and small baby, but full of energy. Despite her size she was very quick and could out run anyone.

She was the daughter of Jacques Barat. Right after Madeleine Sophie was born she was taken by her brother and baptized at St. Thibault, which was the church around the corner from her home. She was baptized immediately because they didn't think she would live, but of course Madeleine Sophie proved them wrong.

As she grew up she helped her mother with housework. She would frequently take reading lessons from her mother. She was always full of questions. She loved going outside in the vineyards and playing with her friends.

She loved to read. She often read about adventures, travel, brave knights, soldiers, and sailors. She wanted to be brave and true like them.

Madeleine went to church every week with the other children to study Catechism. She increased her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

These dolls are at the Center at Joigny. They show her family gathered together in their home.

Madeleine used this wicker wheelchair in the last years of her life.

Sophie knew God was by her and she always wanted to become a nun. Sophie's dream of becoming a nun was threatened when all of the churches and convents in France were shut down due to the conflict during the French Revolution. Her brother Louis home schooled her. He was studying to be a priest. He often studied secretly in the attic as he had to hide his connection with the church. He would sit next to her and give her daily lessons. She studied Greek, Latin, History, Literature, Astronomy, Mathematics, Botany and Philosophy. She often studied seven hours a day. Eventually, her brother was put in prison in Paris for being caught trying to become a priest.

Sophie was now responsible for her family. At night, Sophie's family prayed for Louis. Their prayers were heard and answered because one day Louis appeared at their doorstep, having escaped the Guillotine. Louis knew that Sophie's education must continue, but this time in Paris.

When they got to Paris, Louis' friend, Father Varin, encouraged Sophie and three other friends to start a religious community. Their first job was to open a boarding school for girls in Amiens. That school later became the Society of the Sacred Heart. The sisters took jobs to make ends meet. Sometimes there were only leftovers from the children's supper for dinner. At the end of the day, Sophie and the sisters sat around the kitchen fire and sang to the harp.

Sophie, who was the youngest, was quiet and shy. She worked very hard. She was a gifted and talented teacher who loved to help children. Everyday she spent hours praying to God. Madeleine Sophie accomplished many important things in her childhood that were essential to her success.

We Sacred Heart students are very grateful to her for founding our school and we would not be here today if it wasn't for this extraordinary woman.