Saint Margaret of Cortona

Saint Margaret of Cortona is a woman who shows that anyone can change. She is sometimes called “The Magdalene of the Franciscans” because her story is like stories which developed about Saint Mary Magdalene. Her feast day is February 22.

She is known for her great sorrow for her sins and her deep love for God. Margaret lived a life that many did not expect would lead to sainthood. Yet she became one of the most beloved saints in Italy. People today still ask for her prayers, especially those who are trying to return to God after living far from Him.

Margaret was not born into a wealthy or noble family. She did not grow up in a life of ease. Her story is one of struggle, sadness, and hope. She made many mistakes in her life, but she never gave up seeking mercy. Margaret teaches us that no matter where we come from or what we have done, we can find our way back to God.

She lived during the 13th century. That was a time when many people were trying to live more simply and follow Jesus closely. Margaret’s life fits into this time, but she had a special story all her own. She showed that a true follower of Christ is not always perfect from the beginning.

Today, Saint Margaret is a sign of hope for anyone who has made wrong choices. She reminds us that God’s mercy is bigger than our sins. She also shows us that real change is possible when we ask for help and trust in God.

Margaret was born in 1247 in Laviano, a small town in Tuscany, Italy. Her family was poor. Her mother died when Margaret was very young. Her father remarried, but Margaret did not get along with her stepmother. Life at home became hard for her.

As a teenager, Margaret ran away from home. She went to live with a rich young man. They were never married, but they lived together for many years. Margaret had a son with him. During this time, she lived in comfort but was far from the teachings of the Church.

Margaret hoped that one day the man would marry her. But he never did. Then one day, he was murdered. His death changed everything for her. She was left alone with her son and had nowhere to go.

She returned to Laviano, but her father and stepmother refused to take her back. Feeling lost and ashamed, she decided to turn her life around. She knew she had to start over. She wanted to leave her old life behind and find a new way.

After being turned away by her family, Margaret went to the town of Cortona. There she found help from the Franciscan friars. They listened to her story and welcomed her. They taught her about prayer, repentance, and trust in God’s mercy.

Margaret gave up her fine clothes and riches. She chose to live very simply. She wore plain clothing and ate simple food. She spent much of her time praying and doing acts of penance. She wanted to make up for her past life and draw closer to God.

She also took care of the sick and the poor. She served others with love and patience. She did not hide her past but used her story to help others who were struggling. Many people came to her for advice and comfort.

Margaret had many visions during her life. She felt that Jesus spoke to her in her prayers. These visions helped her stay strong in her new way of living. Her deep faith and her kindness made her well known in Cortona.

Margaret spent the rest of her life serving the poor and the sick. She even started a hospital with the help of other women. She also formed a group of women who lived together in prayer and service, though she never became a nun.

Her life was marked by prayer, fasting, and helping others. Margaret also spoke out against injustice. She was not afraid to tell the leaders of Cortona to take better care of the poor. Many people respected her because she lived what she preached.

Margaret continued to raise her son, who later became a Franciscan friar. She was proud that he chose a life of service to God. Her love for him never weakened, even as she gave more of her life to prayer and service.

Though she had once lived far from God, she became known as a holy woman. People began to see her as a true follower of Christ. When she died, many in Cortona believed they had lost a great friend and guide.

Margaret died on February 22, 1297. People soon began to ask for her prayers and visit her grave. They remembered her kindness and her deep sorrow for her past sins. She was canonized by Pope Benedict XIII in 1728.

Today, her feast day is celebrated on February 22. She is the patron saint of the falsely accused, homeless people, single mothers, and people who struggle with addiction. Many still turn to her for help and comfort.

Her body was placed in the church of Santa Margherita in Cortona, where it remains today. Pilgrims visit the church to pray and ask for her intercession. Her story continues to inspire those who seek a fresh start in life.

Saint Margaret of Cortona shows us that it is never too late to come home to God. She teaches that mercy is always possible, no matter what mistakes we have made.

One Moment Can Change Everything

Saint Margaret of Cortona’s life changed in a moment of deep pain. After living ten years with a nobleman, she found him murdered. That moment broke her world open—but it didn’t end her story. Instead, it was the start of her conversion.

She chose to turn her pain into a new path. Margaret became a Franciscan, served the poor, and dedicated her life to prayer and mercy. Her story reminds us that we can’t always control the moments that change us, but we can choose what we do next.