Saint of the day, March 26
Margaret was born in England to a Protestant family. In 1571, she married John Clitherow, who was also a Protestant, and they had three children together, two of whom would become priests and the third, a nun.
March 26 – St. Margaret Clitherow
Born: c. 1555
Died: March 25, 1586
Nationality: English
Attributes: door, Bible, martyr’s palm, rosary
Vocation: lay, married
Patronage: business women, converts, martyrs
Canonization: 1970 by Pope Paul VI
Margaret was born in England to a Protestant family. In 1571, she married John Clitherow, who was also a Protestant, and they had three children together, two of whom would become priests and the third, a nun.
Three years after their marriage, Margaret converted to the Catholic faith. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth, Catholicism was outlawed in England. Masses were illegal and priests were forced to live as fugitives. Catholics had to practice their faith in secret.
Margaret’s home became a refuge for priests and a place where Mass could be celebrated for the faithful. She was eventually caught and tried for the crime of harboring priests.
She refused to deny her faith and was pressed to death upon sharp rocks. Her last words were “Jesu! Jesu! Jesu! Have mercy on me!”
St. Margaret Clitherow, pray for us.
