Saint Margaret Clitherow
| Saint Margaret Clitherow | |
|---|---|
| Saint | Saint Margaret Clitherow |
| Stage | Saint |
| Birthdate | 1556 |
| Birthplace | York, England |
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| Deathdate | March 25, 1586 |
| Death Place | York, England |
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| Cause of Death | Martyrdom (Pressed to death) |
| Notable Location 1 | The Shambles, York, England |
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| Beatification Date | December 29, 1929 |
| Beatified by | Pope Pius XI |
| Beatification Location | |
| Canonized | Yes |
| Canonization Date | October 25, 1970 |
| Canonized by | Pope Paul VI |
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| Feast Day | March 25 (in England), August 30 (in the Roman Calendar) |
| Profession | Housewife, Businesswoman |
| Religious Affiliation | Roman Catholic Church |
| Patronage | Businesswomen, converts, martyrs, pregnant women, York, and those in difficult marriages |
| Attributes | Stone, martyr's palm, sometimes depicted with her children |
| Primary Shrine | St. Margaret Clitherow's Shrine, The Shambles, York, England |
| Additional Veneration | |
Saint Margaret Clitherow, known also as "The Pearl of York," was an English Catholic martyr during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, when Catholics were persecuted. Born in York to a Protestant family, she converted to Catholicism upon marriage and became a fervent practitioner, hiding priests and celebrating Mass in her home during the time when Catholicism was banned. Margaret was arrested for harboring Catholic priests, refusing to plead when brought to trial to protect her children and others from testifying against her, and was sentenced to death by being pressed to death with weights. Her martyrdom has made her an emblem of faith, courage, and fidelity to one's beliefs.
Biography
Birth
Margaret was born in 1556 in York, England, into a Protestant family.
Early Life
She was raised in a time of religious upheaval, and though her family was Protestant, she was exposed to Catholic teachings through her husband's influence.
Occupation
Margaret managed a butcher shop in The Shambles, York, showing her business acumen, but her primary focus was her faith and family.
Vocation
After her conversion to Catholicism, she turned her home into a refuge for Catholic priests and a place for Mass, risking her life to preserve the Catholic faith in England.
Death
Margaret met her end through martyrdom on March 25, 1586, in York, England, by being pressed to death for refusing to plead in court, thus protecting others from being implicated.
Significant events
- Converted to Catholicism after her marriage to John Clitherow.
- Hid priests in her home, which served as a secret chapel and a safe house for Catholic activities.
- Arrested in 1586, she refused to enter a plea to protect others, leading to her brutal execution.
Parishes
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize Margaret as a Servant of God would have begun after her death, focusing on her martyrdom.
Venerable
Declared Venerable due to her heroic martyrdom, though specific dates are not well-documented.
Beatification
Beatified on December 29, 1929, by Pope Pius XI, recognizing her martyrdom and the courage of her faith.
Canonization
Canonized on October 25, 1970, by Pope Paul VI, acknowledging her sanctity and the influence of her martyrdom on the Catholic community.
Miracles
No specific miracles are documented for her beatification or canonization as her sainthood was based on martyrdom:
Miracle for beatification
Not applicable; her beatification was based on her martyrdom.
Miracle for canonization
Not applicable; her canonization was also based on martyrdom.
Other notable miracles
- Her steadfast faith and courage in the face of death are considered miraculous by many.
Patronage
Saint Margaret Clitherow is the patron saint of businesswomen, converts, martyrs, pregnant women, the city of York, and those in difficult marriages.
Feast day
Her feast day is celebrated on March 25 in England, with an additional feast on August 30 in the Roman Calendar.
Veneration
Margaret is venerated particularly in York, where a shrine exists in The Shambles. Her story is remembered for its defiance against religious persecution and her dedication to her faith. She has been depicted in various artworks and is celebrated in local and Catholic traditions, including pilgrimages and special masses.
Books
Written about the saint
- "Margaret Clitherow (1556-1586)" by Mary C. E. Chambers - a biography.
- Various historical accounts and plays have been written about her life and martyrdom.
Written by the saint
No known writings by Saint Margaret Clitherow exist.
External links
- Catholic Online - Saint Margaret Clitherow
- Wikipedia - Margaret Clitherow
- [No specific links available for her shrine, but information can be found through local York resources.]