(1247-1297) Margaret was born to farming parents in Laviano, Italy. Her mother died when she was seven, and she did not get along with her stepmother. At 17, Margaret ran off with a young knight, had a son with him, and lived as his mistress for nine years. When he was murdered, she returned home, publicly confessed her affair, and committed herself to prayer and penance, though her father would not take her back in. Margaret took shelter with the Franciscans, eventually joining the Third Order. She cared for the sick poor, developed an intense prayer life, founded a hospital, and was devoted to the Holy Eucharist.
Gossip of Margaret’s early recklessness followed her throughout her life. During the early years of her conversion, she was still young and beautiful and found the struggle for purity difficult, but she never gave up. Like Saint Margaret, we overcome self-loathing, and we surrender to God. How do you surrender regret or disappointment with your past in order to see yourself as God sees you?
“In times of desolation, God conceals Himself from us so that we can discover for ourselves what we are without Him” (Saint Margaret of Cortona).
Reflection by Brad Farmer