SAINT MARGARET: PATRONESS QUEEN OF SCOTLAND ’set the nation an example in personal care of the sick and in bringing up a family,’ November 16, 1093

NOVEMBER 16

1093

ST. MARGARET, Queen and Patroness of Scotland.

A daughter of the highest English and continental royalty, she was religiously brought up in Hungary at the court where the memory of St. Stephen I was still fresh.

She came to England in her early teens, to the court of another saint, Edward the Confessor.

After the Battle of Hastings her party found asylum in Scotland, where her beauty and gentle, strong personality soon captivated the heart of Malcolm III.

As Queen she gradually softened his ferocity and so influenced national policy that she and her son St. David I are in great part responsible for ushering in two centuries of progress in religion and culture.

She set the nation an example in personal care of the sick and in bringing up a family.

Among her eight children are three kings of Scotland and Good Queen Maud of England.

Typical of her practical methods is the semi-religious embroidery club she organized among ladies of the court to provide vestments and church furnishings; and Dumfermline Abbey, her foundation and place of burial, is an example of her benefactions.

LIVES OF THE SAINTS

Father Augustine Kalberer, O. S. B.

November 16: SAINT MARGARET,

PATRONESS OF SCOTLAND

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