Saint Madeline Sophie Barat


Saint Medline Sophie Barat

Established in post-Revolutionary France by Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, the purpose of the Society was to “make known the love of God revealed in the Heart of Christ” (hence the motto, “Cor unum et anima una in Corde Jesu” – One Heart and One Mind in the Heart of Jesus.)

Education has always had a special place in the mission of the Society. Saint Madeleine believed that, “Present day society will be saved by education; other means are almost useless.” And, the Society would help restore Christian life in France by educating young women in both the rich and poor economic classes.

Saint Madeleine emphasized two abiding goals:

  • To reveal to the world a God who loves us; and
  • To educate children to be a source of transformation in their world

In addition, unique to the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (RSCJ) was the vow of education, which went beyond the typical three vows of poverty, chastity and obedience taken by most religious orders. The fourth vow of education did not simply refer to teaching, it implored each individual to have the “heart of an educator” in order to draw from every person their God-given gifts and talents, so that, “They may discover the significance of their lives, devote themselves to others and help transform the world.”

Stressing that “The main goal of education is not the mere imparting of knowledge, but the development of the individual,” Saint Madeleine established an educational philosophy that continues to drive Maryville’s mission and vision.

Maryville University is a nationally recognized leader in “personalized learning,” with a dynamic pedagogy, nurturing life coaching program and other innovations that help each student discover and develop the strengths that make them unique. Maryville is committed to student-centered learning combined with practical skills that create well-rounded graduates ready for the workplace as well as the world. Our graduates are well prepared for lives of engagement and achievement.