St. Margaret of Cortona
| St. Margaret of Cortona | |
|---|---|
| Saint | St. Margaret of Cortona |
| Stage | Saint |
| Birthdate | 1247 |
| Birthplace | Loviano, Tuscany, Italy |
| Birth Coordinates | |
| Deathdate | February 22, 1297 |
| Death Place | Cortona, Tuscany, Italy |
| Death Coordinates | |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Notable Location 1 | Cortona, Italy (Franciscan Convent) |
| Notable Location 1 Coordinates | |
| Notable Location 2 | |
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| Notable Location 3 | |
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| Notable Location 4 | |
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| Beatification Date | Not applicable |
| Beatified by | |
| Beatification Location | |
| Canonized | Yes |
| Canonization Date | May 16, 1728 |
| Canonized by | Pope Benedict XIII |
| Canonization Location | Rome, Italy |
| Miracle 1 | Miracles associated with her tomb |
| Miracle 2 | Healing of the sick through her intercession |
| Miracle 3 | |
| Feast Day | February 22 |
| Profession | Pacifist, Penitent, Nurse |
| Religious Affiliation | Third Order of St. Francis |
| Patronage | Homeless people, falsely accused people, midwives, reformed prostitutes, single mothers |
| Attributes | Franciscan habit, dog, cross |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of Santa Margherita, Cortona, Italy |
| Additional Veneration | |
St. Margaret of Cortona, born in 1247, was a penitent who transformed her life from one of sin to one of sanctity[1]. After a tumultuous early life, she joined the Third Order of St. Francis, dedicating herself to penance, prayer, and service to the poor[2]. Known for her miracles and her establishment of a hospital for the sick, she is revered as a model of conversion and compassion[3].
Biography
Birth
Margaret was born in 1247 in Loviano, near Castiglione del Lago, Tuscany, Italy[1].
Early Life
Her mother died when she was young, and she lived with a harsh stepmother, leading her to run away with a local nobleman, living with him for nine years and bearing a son[2].
Occupation
After her conversion, she became known for her work as a nurse and caretaker of the sick[1].
Vocation
Margaret joined the Third Order of St. Francis after her lover's murder, dedicating her life to penance and charity. She founded a hospital and the Congregation of the Poor Ones (Poverelle)[3].
Death
She died on February 22, 1297, in Cortona, from natural causes[1].
Significant events
- Her conversion after discovering her lover's murdered body, which led her to a life of penance[2].
- Founded a hospital in Cortona for the poor and sick[1].
- Experienced mystical visions and was known for her spiritual gifts[3].
Death
St. Margaret died peacefully in Cortona, having lived a life of significant transformation and service.
Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize Margaret as a Servant of God likely began in the 17th or 18th century, but specific details are not recorded[1].
Venerable
Declared Venerable for her life of heroic virtue, though the exact date isn't known[1].
Beatification
Not formally beatified; she was canonized directly, as was common for early saints[1].
Canonization
Canonized on May 16, 1728, by Pope Benedict XIII[1], recognizing her sanctity, miracles, and contributions to the Church.
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
Not applicable; she was canonized without formal beatification.
Miracle for canonization
Miracles associated with her tomb and the healing of the sick through her intercession were noted for her canonization[1].
Other notable miracles
- Numerous healings and other miracles were attributed to her intercession[3].
Patronage
St. Margaret of Cortona is the patron saint of homeless people, falsely accused people, midwives, reformed prostitutes, and single mothers[1].
Feast day
Her feast day is celebrated on February 22[1].
Veneration
St. Margaret is venerated in Cortona, where her relics are kept in the Basilica of Santa Margherita. She is remembered for her penitential life and her acts of charity[3].
Books
Written about the saint
- Her life has been documented in several hagiographies, but no specific modern books were listed[3].
Written by the saint
- St. Margaret of Cortona did not leave any known written works[3].
External links
- Catholic Online article on St. Margaret of Cortona[1]
- New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia on St. Margaret of Cortona[2]
- Wikipedia entry on Margaret of Cortona[3]