Madeleine wanted to be a Carmelite lay sister, but with Father Joseph Varin and three other postulants, she founded the Society of the Sacred Heart on November 21, 1800. The Society is devoted to the Sacred Heart, and dedicated to teaching girls. Madeleine was appointed Superior General of the Society at age 23 and held the position for 63 years. Receiving papal approval of the Society in 1826, she founded 105 houses in many countries.