Mother Maddalena’s family were friends with St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, the foundress of the Madames of the Sacred Heart. Mother Maddalena - Annetta was her baptismal name - was withdrawn from the school in June of 1842. St. Madeleine Sophie Barat and the young Annetta [future Mother Maddalena] started on the long and, at that time, wearisome journey to Turin. Despite the fact that the Mother Superior had to keep a vigilant eye on her vivacious little companion, Annetta must have been a source of amusement and entertainment to that kind Saint who had so understanding a heart for children of Annetta’s type. Annetta would always be doing something. At times she would empty the saint’s travelling bag of all its contents, just to show her ability to get everything back again in good order; then, again, she would ask the Reverend Mother, or even herself, all sorts of questions, at times herself answering them in a serio-comic manner. These and similar incidents, disparaging to herself, the Servant of God was in the habit of recounting. But, what a privilege, to say night prayers with a saint and to be blessed by her! She had revered Mother Barat as a saint even before the church canonized her. (See May 26th)