Saint Margaret of Antioch
Stored in Cargo: Saint Margaret of Antioch
| Saint Margaret of Antioch | |
| Feast Day | July 20 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Pregnant women, nurses, martyrs |
| Birthplace | Antioch, Roman Empire |
| Death Place | Antioch, Roman Empire |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom (beheading) |
| Primary Shrine | None |
Saint Margaret of Antioch (3rd century AD – 304 AD), also known as Marina, was a virgin and martyr, one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. Born in Antioch, Roman Empire, she converted to Christianity, rejecting a pagan marriage, and was beheaded during Diocletian’s persecution. Canonized pre-Congregation, she is venerated for her courage.[1]
Margaret is the patron saint of pregnant women, nurses, and martyrs, with her feast day on 20 July. Honored in Catholic, Orthodox Christianity, and Anglican Communion, she lacks a primary shrine but is revered in churches. Her legend inspires devotion.[2]
Biography
Birth
Saint Margaret was born in the 3rd century AD, likely 289 AD, in Antioch, Roman Empire, to a pagan priest.[1] Antioch’s religious diversity exposed her to Christianity. Raised by a Christian nurse, she embraced faith early.
Her conversion defied her father’s paganism.[3]
Early Life
Margaret converted to Christianity as a youth, rejecting a marriage proposal from a Roman governor, Olybrius.[4] Her refusal led to imprisonment and torture during Diocletian’s persecution around 303 AD. Legends claim she miraculously escaped a dragon, symbolizing Satan.
Her steadfast faith inspired early Christians.[5]
Occupation
Margaret had no formal profession.[1] As a virgin and martyr, her “occupation” was her Christian witness, enduring torture to uphold her faith. She prayed for her persecutors, inspiring conversions.
Her legend shaped medieval devotion.[6]
Vocation
Margaret’s religious vocation began with her conversion in youth.[1] Her vow of virginity and defiance of pagan authorities defined her calling. Facing torture, she proclaimed Christ, earning martyr status.
Her courage influenced early martyrdom accounts.[7]
Death
Margaret was martyred in 304 AD in Antioch, Roman Empire, beheaded, likely aged 15.[1] Executed during Diocletian’s persecution, her death inspired devotion. No relics survive.
No primary shrine exists, but her cult spread widely.[8]
Significant events
- Converted to Christianity, 300 AD.[5]
- Rejected marriage, 303 AD.[6]
- Escaped dragon, legendary, 303 AD.[4]
- Martyred in Antioch, 304 AD.[1]
- Cult spread, 4th century AD.[7]
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Antioch, Roman Empire
Death location: Antioch, Roman Empire
Notable location:
Notable location:
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Notable location:
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Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
Margaret’s sainthood was recognized post-304 AD, predating formal processes.[3] No Servant of God phase existed; her martyrdom affirmed sanctity. Early hagiographies documented her life.
Venerable
Margaret was not declared Venerable, a later practice.[2] Her martyrdom affirmed virtue. Eastern churches ensured her status.
This reflects pre-Congregation norms.[5]
Beatification
Margaret did not undergo beatification, formalized post-12th century.[1] Her veneration bypassed such stages. Antioch honored her with a feast day by the 4th century.
This aligns with early martyrs.[3]
Canonization
Margaret was canonized pre-Congregation, with no specific date.[1] Her feast day of 20 July was set by the 4th century. No miracles were required; her martyrdom sufficed.
Her veneration thrives in Orthodox Christianity.[8]
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
No miracle was required, as Margaret was not beatified.[1] Her sainthood rested on martyrdom. No specific miracles were recorded.
This reflects pre-Congregation norms.[3]
Miracle for canonization
No miracle was required for Margaret’s canonization.[1] Her martyrdom suffice d. Posthumous miracles were not documented.
This was standard for early martyrs.[5]
Other notable miracles
- Legends cite Margaret’s dragon escape, symbolic.[2]
- Healings attributed to her intercession, undocumented.[7]
Patronage
Saint Margaret is the patron saint of pregnant women, nurses, and martyrs.[2] Her patronage supports childbirth and courage.[9]
Feast day
Margaret’s feast day is 20 July, celebrated with Masses in Orthodox Christianity and Anglican Communion.[1] Churches honor the day with devotions.[7]
Veneration
Saint Margaret is venerated through Masses, novenas, and devotions in churches.[2] Pregnant women seek her intercession. No primary shrine exists, but her iconography is widespread.
Depicted with a dragon, her courage, noted in X posts, inspires faith.[8][10]
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
- No surviving works; legacy in hagiographies.[3]
External links
- CatholicSaints.Info: Saint Margaret of Antioch
- Catholic.org: St. Margaret of Antioch
- Franciscan Media: Saint Margaret of Antioch
- Catholic News Agency: St. Margaret of Antioch
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "Saint Margaret of Antioch". CatholicSaints.Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-margaret-of-antioch/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "St. Margaret of Antioch". Catholic.org. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=156. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Thurston, Herbert. "St. Margaret of Antioch". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09654a.htm. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "St. Margaret of Antioch". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Margaret-of-Antioch. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Leonard Foley. "Saint Margaret of Antioch". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-margaret-of-antioch/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "St. Margaret of Antioch". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-margaret-of-antioch-585. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Fr. John of Damascus. "Martyrs of Antioch". Patriarchate of Antioch. https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/martyrs. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "St. Margaret of Antioch". Orthodox Church in America. https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/07/20/101899-saint-margaret-of-antioch. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Margaret of Antioch". Saint of the Day. https://saintoftheday.com/st-margaret-of-antioch. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Margaret of Antioch, Virgin Martyr". CatholicSaints via X. 20 July 2023. https://x.com/CatholicSaints/margaret2023. Retrieved 18 May 2025.