Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat was born on December 12, 1779, in France. She founded the Society of the Sacred Heart, a religious order dedicated to the education of young women. Her mission was to provide quality education and promote spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of both academic and moral development. Barat established numerous schools across Europe and the United States, significantly impacting women's education. She was known for her commitment to social justice and her belief in the transformative power of education. Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church on May 25, 1925.