(c.1291-1351) Blessed Margareta was born to wealthy aristocrats in Bavaria, Germany, and received a good education at home. She became a Dominican nun and suffered a grave illness, during which she experienced a deeper conversion and deepening of the spiritual life. Margareta was bedridden for a decade and experienced bouts of severe illness the rest of her life. She had several mystic experiences, including conversations with the Infant Jesus. Many of her experiences were preserved in letters with her spiritual director and in a manuscript he encouraged her to compose.

Blessed Margareta served even in illness through prayer for and instruction of others, both spiritual works of mercy. Do we treat others right when not feeling our best? When we are wrong, do we promptly admit it? (Step 10)

“O God, source of all goodness, you enkindled within Blessed Margaret the fire of the Holy Spirit and drew her into the secrets of your divine love. By the help of her prayers and filled with that same Spirit may we come to you by the paths of Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever” (General Calendar of the Order of Preachers).

Reflection by Brad Farmer