I have been touched by the life of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat. She was born in Joigny, France in 1779. As a child born out of fire, her birth reminds us that we survive by God’s grace. She was captivated by God at an early age and drawn to a life of contemplative prayer. It is clearly seen when she said, “we make prayer our support in our life of conflict. Make prayer your delight. Therefore, find your rest and your happiness”.
Philippine Duchesne’s relationship with Madeleine Sophie together influenced hundreds of their fellow sisters by living the charism of expressing the love of Christ and love for one another. She is therefore telling us to have personal relationships that are loving, caring, and tender to help form and build a community.
Her passion for education helped her work hard for a girl child. Today, Sophie is remembered for her great desire for the education of individuals regardless of their socioeconomic status in life. Whether a child was wealthy or poor, she felt compelled to provide equal educational opportunities to every child. she says: For the sake of one child, I would have founded the Society. Sophie shares her wisdom with us to; Give only good examples to the children, and to never correct them when out of humor or impatient.
She invites us to completely live according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit when she says, “if I had my life to live again, I would live in complete openness to the holy spirit”.
As we draw near to your feast dear St. Sophie, please pray for us that we may learn to emulate your examples, virtues, and values. Keep praying for this little society as you often called it.
Ajwang Gloria Fortunate.