Venerable Madeleine Delbrêl (1904–1964) was a French Catholic author, poet, and mystic, renowned for her profound spiritual writings and dedication to social work. Born in Mussidan, Dordogne, she was raised in an agnostic household and declared herself an atheist by the age of 17. A pivotal personal crisis, marked by the end of a significant relationship and her father's blindness, led her to question her disbelief. Through interactions with Christian friends and a commitment to daily silent reflection, she experienced a profound conversion to Catholicism in 1924.

Following her conversion, Delbrêl felt a strong calling to serve others within the secular world. She became one of France's pioneering social workers, obtaining a degree in social studies and dedicating herself to the underprivileged. In 1933, she and a group of like-minded women moved to Ivry-sur-Seine, a suburb of Paris known for its strong Communist influence. There, she worked as a municipal social worker, fostering dialogue between Christians and Communists, and emphasizing the importance of living out the Gospel through everyday interactions.

Delbrêl's literary contributions reflect her deep spirituality and commitment to integrating faith into daily life. Her notable works include "We, the Ordinary People of the Streets" and "The Joy of Believing," which offer insights into finding holiness in mundane experiences. Her unexpected death from a brain hemorrhage in 1964 did not diminish her influence; in 2018, Pope Francis recognized her life of heroic virtue, declaring her Venerable.