St Margaret of Scotland

St Margaret of Scotland was an English princess born in Hungary to Princess Agatha of Hungary and English Prince Edward the Exile.

Margaret and her family returned to England when she was 10 years old. However, his father died immediately after the family arrived.

Margaret's family fled from William the Conqueror after his victory at the battle and her mother took the children north to Northumbria.

But her family's ship got caught in a storm and drove them even more north to Scotland.

Malcolm Canore III, the King of Scotland welcomed Margaret and her family and put them under his protection. He soon fell deeply in love with the beautiful and kind princess. Margaret and Malcolm became married and had 8 children ( 6 sons and 2 daughters).

All of whom were raised with deep Catholic Christian faith. They lived as a holy family, a domestic church.

Margaret's kind-nature and good heart was a strong influence on Malcolm's reign. She softened his temper and helped him become a virtuous King of Scotland.

Together they prayed, fed the hungry, offered a powerful example of living faith in action.

Margaret was placed in charge of all domestic affairs and was often consulted with state matters.

She promoted the arts and education in Scotland. She encouraged Church synods and was involved in efforts to correct the religious abuses.

Her impact in Scotland led her to being referred to as "The Pearl of Scotland".

She constantly worked to aid the poor and encouraged people to live a devout life, grow in prayer and grow in holiness.

She helped to build churches including the Abbey of Dunfermline, where a relic of the true Cross is kept. She was well known for deep life of prayer and piety. She set aside specific time for prayer and to read scripture. She lived holiness of life as a wife, mother and lay woman and truly in love with Jesus Christ.

In 1093, Malcolm and their oldest son were killed. Already ill and worn from a life full of austerity and fasting, Margaret passed away four days after her husband on November 16, 1093.

In 1250, Pope Innocent IV canonized Margaret as a Saint, acknowledging her life of holiness and extraordinary virtue. She was honored for her work for reform of the Church and her personal holiness.