Madeleine Delbrêl was a French writer, poet, and mystic who lived from 1904 to 1964. Born in Mussidan, she spent her early years as an atheist before undergoing a religious conversion in 1924. Following her spiritual turning point, she dedicated her life to social work in the working-class town of Ivry-sur-Seine, where she served the local community. Known for her literary talents and her commitment to helping others, she remains a significant figure in 20th-century Catholic thought through her various published works.