20th July, St. Margaret, Virgin and Martyr

St. Margaret of Antioch, Virgin and Martyr

Margaret, who had been taught the Christian religion by her nurse, perished by the sword in the cruel general persecution, at Antioch in Pisidia towards 255-275. From the East her worship was carried to the West, during the Crusades. She is especially invoked by those about to become mothers. Her name is in the list of the fourteen auxiliary saints.

Me exspectaverunt peccatores, ut perderent me: testimonia tua, Domine, intellexi: omnis consummationis vidi finem: latum mandatum tuum nimis. * Beati immaculati in via: qui ambulant in lege Domini.

The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I have understood Thy testimonies, O Lord: I have seen an end of all perfection: The commandment is exceeding broad. * Blessed are the undefiled in the way: who walk in the law of the Lord.

(Psalm 118:95-96,1 from the Introit of Mass)

May blessed Margaret Thy virgin and martyr, we beseech Thee, O Lord, implore for us Thy forgiveness; for she was ever pleasing unto Thee, both by the merit of her chastity, and by her confession of Thy power.

(Collect)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09652b.htm