St. Margaret of Cortona
Italian Franciscan tertiary (1247-1297), Tuscan farmer's daughter who lived nine years as the unmarried mistress of a nobleman, bearing him a son; on his murder converted dramatically and entered the Franciscan Third Order at Cortona. Founded a hospital for the poor and lived in penitential austerity. Canonized 1728 by Benedict XIII.
Life & Times
Born: 1247 · Died: 1297 · From: Italy.
Patronage
St. Margaret of Cortona is invoked as the patron of single mothers, penitents, homeless people, the falsely accused. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“I will be the staff of the poor and the shame of the proud.”— St. Margaret of Cortona (traditionally attributed)
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Margaret of Cortona, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.