St. Margaret Clitherow was born in 1555 in England to a Protestant family. Known for her charm and beauty, she married John Clitherow, a wealthy butcher, in 1571, and they had three children together. In 1574, Margaret converted to Roman Catholicism, despite her husband being Protestant. He supported her beliefs, even paying her fines for missing Anglican services. Margaret faced imprisonment multiple times for her faith, including a significant 20-month sentence during which she gave birth to her third child, William. She actively sheltered Catholic priests and sent her son Henry to train for the priesthood in Reims.
Margaret's faith ultimately led to her arrest for allowing priests to hide in her home. During her trial at the Guildhall, she steadfastly refused to renounce her beliefs despite pressure. 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 March 25, 1586, a Good Friday that year. Margaret was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970.
St. Margaret Clitherow, help us to be like you. Pray for us to love and protect each other in everything we do. Amen.
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love
(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love
(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
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