What Can Committed Women Do?

Part - 1

Abstract

Madame Barb Acarie and Mother Madeleine of Saint Joseph du Bois de Fontaines were instrumental in the renewal of Catholic life in seventeenth century France. Barb Acarie’s spiritual search encouraged her to open her home to likeminded seekers. Teresa of Avila appeared and requested that Spanish Carmelite women be brought to France to introduce the Teresian reform. Salon Acarie created an environment in which the Spirit inspired generosity in response to the urgent needs of the church. Both Madame Barb Acarie and Mother Madeleine of Saint Joseph, were close associates of Pierre de Bérulle who was a pivotal figure in the development of the Carmel as well as the founder of the French Oratory.