Madeline Sophie Barat knew the strength that came from a good education. Madeline received her education from her brother upon his returning from seminary. By age eleven, she had learned Greek, Latin, mathematics and Spanish—and had been subjected to rigorous character training, as well. In 1800 she formed the Society of the Sacred Heart. With the few followers that had already collected around her, she had left for the Amiens to take over a small school that had already existed there.

As a testament to her strength and devotion, schools and colleges of the Society of the Sacred Heart are found all over the world. The interwoven ribbons of gown style 103 symbolize her strength.