St. Madeleine Sophie Barat Novena Prayers

St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, the foundress of the Society of the Sacred Heart, dedicated her life to the education of young women and the promotion of spiritual growth, leaving a lasting legacy of faith and service in the Catholic Church.

About St. Madeleine Sophie Barat

The legacy of Madeleine Sophie Barat can be found in the more than 100 schools operated by her Society of the Sacred Heart, institutions known for the quality of the education made available to the young.

Sophie herself received an extensive education, thanks to her brother Louis, 11 years older and her godfather at baptism. Himself a seminarian, Louis decided that his younger sister would likewise learn Latin, Greek, history, physics and mathematics—always without interruption and with a minimum of companionship.

By age 15, she had received a thorough exposure to the Bible, the teachings of the Fathers of the Church and theology. Despite the oppressive regime Louis imposed, young Sophie thrived and developed a genuine love of learning.

Meanwhile, this was the time of the French Revolution and of the suppression of Christian schools. The education of the young, particularly young girls, was in a troubled state.

Sophie, who had discerned a call to the religious life, was persuaded to become a teacher. She founded the Society of the Sacred Heart, which focused on schools for the poor as well as boarding schools for young women of means. Today, co-ed Sacred Heart schools also can be found, along with schools exclusively for boys.

In 1826, her Society of the Sacred Heart received formal papal approval. By then she had served as superior at a number of convents. In 1865, she was stricken with paralysis; she died that year on the feast of the Ascension.

St. Madeleine Sophie Barat was canonized in 1925. Her liturgical feast is celebrated on May 25.

Why Pray the St. Madeleine Sophie Barat Novena?

Praying the St. Madeleine Sophie Barat Novena offers numerous spiritual benefits, particularly for those seeking inspiration in education and personal growth. As the foundress of the Society of the Sacred Heart, St. Madeleine Sophie is a powerful intercessor for educators and students alike, guiding them in their pursuit of knowledge and virtue.

Her life exemplifies commitment to faith, compassion, and service, encouraging individuals to cultivate these qualities in their own lives. The novena also fosters a sense of community among participants, promoting shared prayer and support for one another’s intentions.

Additionally, the structured prayers provide dedicated time for reflection, helping individuals deepen their spiritual lives and draw closer to God. Overall, the St. Madeleine Sophie Barat Novena serves as a meaningful way to seek guidance, inspiration, and growth in faith and service.

St. Madeleine Sophie Barat Novena Prayers

Novena to St. Madeleine Sophie Barat is a nine-day prayer experience designed to deepen your faith, strengthen your relationship with God, and seek the powerful intercession of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat.

You can pray the St. Madeleine Sophie Barat Novena for any intention!

St. Madeleine Sophie Barat Novena Day 1

Dear St. Madeleine Sophie Barat,
you Consecrated yourself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
and spent your life opening Schools
of the Sacred Heart and educating girls.
You were quoted as saying,
“For the sake of one child,
I would have founded the Society”.
Your approach to children was based in gentleness as you advised,
“Soften your reprimands with kind words;
encourage and reward them.
That is, in short, our way of educating”.
Please pray St. Madeleine Sophie
that as parents and teachers
we may have a softness and gentleness towards children as you did.
Please pray that the Sacred Heart of Jesus
will pour Divine Love and Patience into our hearts.
Please take our intentions before the Sacred Heart of Jesus
as we know your prayers will be warmly received.

Amen.