From the Archives: Canonization of Madeleine Sophie Barat Virtual Exhibit

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat’s canonization. There are many wonderful items from her canonization held in the Society of the Sacred Heart United States – Canada Province archives. The archives building is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and so for those who are unable to visit in-person, we share these items here. Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat was canonized on May 24, 1925. Her feast day is May 25.

“Perhaps the greatest testimonial offered was the gathering together in Rome of Religious and Children of the Sacred Heart from every quarter, by ship, by train, by motor-car, by air across the Channel out of England to the Continent, till the Città Erterna was like one vast convent at Congé time, nuns and children everywhere.”
– Account of the Canonization from The Signet, Vol. VI, No. 1, November 1925

Invitations that include which entrance to use:
(Two women were canonized that day.)

Photos of the Canonization Mass

These photos depict the canonization ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Pope Pius XI is seen, as well as RSCJ in habit.

Statue of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat in St Peters.

RSCJ invitees and where they stayed

Representatives from everyone corner of the Society were invited to Rome. This list includes all the RSCJ who came from abroad, and at which Society House in Rome they resided. Note the honorifics: R.M., D.M. and Mre. R.M. is Révérende Mère refers to RSCJ who are Vicars, leaders responsible for a Vicariate (a geographic administrative region) within the Society. D.M is Digne Mère, referring to RSCJ in leadership position on the Vicar’s Council, and Mre is Mère, the title used for a Choir Religious of the Society.

Decree of Canonization (Latin)

This is the official document promulgating Sophie’s Canonization, presented in printed Latin. There is also a handwritten English Translation provided (below).

Literal Translation of the Decree of Canonization pp 1-12

Literal Translation of the Decree of Canonization pp 13-33

Canonization Celebrations

Celebrations were held across the Society in honor of the Canonization of Sophie. Here are a sample of those materials, including invitations, programs, and accounts from the various celebrations.

Grand Coteau, Louisiana

Maryville (St. Louis, Missouri)

Mexico

Montreal

Santurce

St. Charles, Missouri

St. Michael’s, Louisiana

Post Bag Signet May 1925

This excerpt from the Alumnae publication The Signet, provides an account of the Papal Audience held for the Alumnae and the Children of Mary on the 26th of May, 1925, following the Canonization.

Souvenir of Canonization, 1925

One of several souvenirs produced for the canonization, this one includes the Novena of Confidence.

Tickets to Musei e Gallerie Pontificic 1925-05.-9

Among the souvenirs are tickets to other events and places in Rome. These three tickets are for the Musei e Gallerie Pontificic 

Letter from Maria de Loë to the Children of the Sacred Heart, 1925-01-21

This letter from Maria de Loë, Superior General of the Society, exhorts the members of the Society to call on Madeleine Sophie for intercession, and to join in celebrating the canonization.

Housing Letter 1924-10-17

Children of the Sacred Heart would come from all over the world to celebrate the Canonization. The Mother House in Rome was able to offer space for some of the students and Children of Mary attending the Canonization. This letter lays out the costs and exceptions for quests.