St. Margaret Clitherow was born in England in the year 1555 to a protestant family. Margaret was known for her charming personality and good looks. In 1571, she married John Clitherow, a wealthy butcher and chamberlain of the city, and they bore three children together. She converted to Roman Catholicism in 1574. Though her husband belonged to the Protestant Church, he was supportive of Margaret as his brother William was a Roman Catholic priest. He paid her fines for not attending Anglican church services.
Margaret was first imprisoned in 1577 for failing to attend church. Two more incarcerations at York Castle followed the final one lasting about 20 months. Her third child, William, was born in prison. She risked her life by allowing Catholic priests to celebrate Mass and hide in a secret room in her house. Margaret sent her eldest son, Henry, to the relocated English College in Reims to pursue training for the priesthood. Her husband was summoned by the authorities to explain why his oldest son had gone abroad, and in March 1586, the Clitherow house was searched. The hiding room for priests was discovered after a frightened boy revealed its location during the raid.
Margaret was arrested for this capital offense, and the trial took place in the Guildhall. While Margaret was on trial, many efforts were made to encourage her to deny the Catholic faith, but she held firmly. Finally, she was condemned to be pressed to death upon sharp rocks. Her holiness can be glimpsed in her words to a friend when she learned of her condemnation: "The sheriffs have said that I am going to die this coming Friday, and I feel the weakness of my flesh which is troubled at this news, but my spirit rejoices greatly. For the love of God, pray for me and ask all good people to do likewise." She was executed on 25 March 1586, which also happened to be Good Friday that year. Pope Paul VI canonized Margaret in 1970.
Prayer
St. Margaret Clitherow, help us to be like you. Pray for us to love and protect each other in everything we do. Amen.
Prepared and updated by:
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.
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