Saint Margaret of Cortona

Biography

Saint Margaret of Cortona, also known as Margherita, was born in 1247 in Loviano, Tuscany, Italy, to a farmer's family. Unfortunately, her mother passed away when she was just seven years old, leaving her in the care of her stepmother who did not hold Margaret in high regard. As a result, Margaret faced many hardships and struggled to find acceptance and love within her own family. In her youth, Margaret eloped with a young nobleman from Montepulciano and together they had a son. For nine years, she lived as his mistress until tragedy struck in 1274 when her lover was murdered by brigands and his body was discarded in a shallow grave. This event was a turning point in Margaret's life, as she saw it as a divine sign and began to reflect upon her choices and the consequences of her actions. Recognizing the need for repentance, Margaret publicly confessed to her affair and attempted to return to her father's house, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. However, her father refused to accept her back into the family, leading Margaret and her son to seek shelter with the Friars Minor at Cortona. Although she was still young and attractive, Margaret was committed to leading a life of chastity and resisted various temptations. Throughout her journey, she experienced periods of deep self-loathing after succumbing to these temptations. To distance herself from the local young men who may have been a source of temptation, Margaret even attempted to mutilate herself. However, a friar named Giunta intervened, preventing her from carrying out such drastic measures. Instead, Margaret focused on her spiritual journey and devoted her time to caring for the sick women in her community. Later, she extended her charitable work to include the sick poor, turning to a life of poverty and relying on alms to sustain herself and her son. In 1277, Margaret became a Franciscan tertiary, deepening her commitment to a life of devotion and service to God. Her prayer life became rich and intense, often experiencing mystical ecstasies during which she received messages and insights from heaven. These divine experiences further fueled her dedication to her faith and the pursuit of a virtuous life. Recognizing the pressing need for specialized care for the sick poor, Margaret received a charter in 1286 to work with this vulnerable community. She gathered like-minded individuals and formed a community of tertiaries known as the Poverelle (Poor Ones). Eventually, the Poverelle were granted the status of a congregation, and with Margaret's guidance, they founded a hospital in Cortona to provide care for the sick and suffering. An influential figure in her community, Margaret fearlessly preached against various vices and sins, striving to lead others towards righteousness. She developed a profound devotion to the Eucharist and the Passion of Christ, finding solace and inspiration in these aspects of the Catholic faith. Margaret's spiritual gifts also included prophecy, as she prophesied the date of her own death. Despite her devoted service and genuine transformation, Margaret's troubled past haunted her throughout her life. The slanderous rumors and criticisms of her earlier life continued to hound her, casting a shadow over her reputation among the local gossips and skeptics. Saint Margaret of Cortona passed away on 22 February 1297 in Cortona, Italy, from natural causes. She was beatified by Pope Leo X in 1515 and canonized by Pope Benedict XIII on 16 May 1728. Margret's feast days are celebrated on 22 February and also on 16 May in some calendars. Her patronage extends to various causes, including those suffering from mental illness, the falsely accused, the homeless, single laywomen, penitent women, and more. Her life serves as a powerful example of redemption, highlighting the transformative power of faith and the ability to rise above one's past mistakes. Saint Margaret of Cortona continues to inspire and intercede for those in need, reminding us of the boundless mercy and forgiveness of God.