Saint Margaret

Saint Margaret's life was quite colorful. Margaret Atheling was born in Hungary the daughter of Edward "The Exile" Prince of England and Agatha Princess of Germany.

At a young age, Edward was sent to Hungary for his own safety where he met Agatha. Agatha was a devout Christian and instilled those values and beliefs in their three children Margaret, Christina and Edgar.

Eventually Edwards's uncle became King of England but as he had no children to take over the title he requested Edward and his family return to England to become heir to the throne. Shortly after arriving in his homeland Edward died leaving control of England up for grabs and his wife and children in danger.

The family prepared to return to safety in Germany but a storm at sea landed the ship in the northern part of Scotland. It was here that Margaret met her future husband Malcolm III King of Scotland. Margaret had planed to become a nun but decided her position as Queen of Scotland would be a tremendous opportunity to do good for others.

During her years as queen, Margaret was known for her good works. Giving aid to the poor, educating children, and improving the religious atmosphere in the country were only a few of her good works. While Malcolm busied himself with invading England Margaret built abbeys and schools and personally cared for those less fortunate than herself.

Queen Margaret died from an illness just a few days after her husband and one of their sons were killed in battle. For nearly 200 years Margaret's sons and grandsons ruled Scotland and continued to follow the Christian faith Margaret had taught them in their youth. Margaret Atheling was canonized Saint Margaret in 1249.

A shrine has been built at the church in Dumferline where Malcolm and Margaret were married and buried. The spot where the family first landed in Scotland due to the storm was named "St Margaret's Hope". At Edinburgh Castle in Scotland the chapel where it is said Margaret prayed the day of her death is a popular spot for weddings today.

Prayer (author unknown)
Lord, you gave Saint Margaret of Scotland a special love for the poor. Let her example and prayers help us to become a living sign of your goodness. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

1 John 3:17-19 But if someone who is supposed to be a Christian has money enough to live well, and sees a brother in need, and won't help him--how can God's love be within him ? Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions. Then we will know for sure, by our actions, that we are on God's side, and our consciences will be clear, even when we stand before the Lord.

Addition note on Malcolm III: Macbeth killed Malcolm's father, King Duncan, when Malcolm was young. This is the same Macbeth famously remembered by William Shakespeare's work 'Macbeth'.

Note from the author - Yes, more of my personal family history, Malcolm III and Margaret were distant great-grandparents. I pray that even a fraction of Saint Margaret's faith and good works have been passed on to me.