Saint Margaret, an English princess, fled to Scotland with her mother to escape a conquering king. In Scotland, King Malcolm welcomed them, soon falling in love with Margaret. Their marriage marked the beginning of significant changes for Malcolm and Scotland.

Margaret, as queen, had a profound influence on her husband and the nation. Malcolm, though inherently good, was rough around the edges, which changed under Margaret’s wise counsel. Her influence softened his temper and inspired him to pursue virtues more earnestly. Her presence also transformed the Scottish court, bringing refinement and civility. The nobility emulated her manners, and the women admired her purity and devotion.

Both King Malcolm and Queen Margaret were paragons of piety, often seen praying together and personally aiding the poor. Their unified desire was to foster happiness and virtue in their realm.

Margaret’s impact extended beyond the court; she addressed the widespread ignorance and malpractices in Scotland. Her efforts led to the hiring of quality educators, the rectification of harmful customs, and the construction of new churches. She personally contributed to the beauty of these churches, embroidering priestly vestments for the glory of God.

The queen was blessed with eight children, including the future St. David. Despite her many joys, Margaret also faced profound sorrow, learning of the deaths of her husband and son, Edward, during her final illness. Yet, in this suffering, she found gratitude, thanking God for the opportunity to atone for her sins through grief.

Saint Margaret’s life teaches us to balance our earthly duties with the anticipation of heavenly joys. She is venerated on November 16th, a day to remember her legacy and emulate her saintly virtues.

Editorial credit: Patrick Wang / Shutterstock.com

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17 COMMENTS

  1. Dear St. Margaret,
    Please lay my prayer request before the throne of mercy and grace of Our God. I request that my husband will open his heart and see me loving again. My he accept me as his wife and know that I am a worthy partner/wife that adds meaning to his life. Let our latter years be shared together in marriage that is pleasing to God and us. I pray that God will place on his heart the commitment to our marriage again. I request this in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

  2. Dear St. Margaret, do intercede for me in this present storm I found myself and I pray to God to give me the perseverance to accept the situations I cannot change . . . Amen!!!

  3. Dear St. Margaret, please pray for my husband and son to convert and truly love the Lord and the Church. Please ask our Lord for the grace and gift of faith for them. I ask this in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

  4. St. Margaret, precious saint of God, on this your feast day, please intercede before His Throne for all who have asked your help.

  5. May God our father through st margaret the queen of scotland teach and bring us closer too him I̶̲̥̅̊n̶̲̥̅̊ jesus name we pray. Amen.

  6. O God, who called your servant Margaret to an earthly throne that she might advance your heavenly kingdom, and gave her zeal for your church and love for your people: Mercifully grant that we who commemorate her this day may be fruitful in good works, and attain to the glorious crown of your saints; though Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
    Amen

  7. Saint Margaret, pray for us. For Peg, Peggy, Maggie, etc.
    All holy men and women, martyrs, saints, angels, pray for us.
    Holy Family of Nazareth, restore matrimony and family life.
    Transform all of mankind’s iniquity into integrity. Amen.
    Ecce Crucem Domini!
    Fugite partes adversae!
    Vicit Leo de tribu Juda,
    Radix David! Alleluia!
    Saint Anthony of Padua, pray for us. For Italy.
    Saint Teresa of Avila, pray for us. For Rome.
    Blood of Christ Crucified, cleanse the Vatican.
    Guardian Angel of those whose names you can read in my heart, watch over them with every care, make their way easy and their labours fruitful. Dry their tears if they weep; sanctify their joys; raise their courage if they weaken; restore their hope if they lose heart, their health if they be ill, truth if they err, repentance if they fall. Amen.

  8. Guidance Prayer
    O Lord, my God, help me to trust you with my decisions and my future. Let me lean on you with all my heart instead of relying on my own imperfect understanding. Give me clear guidance in my life, Lord. St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland, Pray for us!

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