Birthplace: Hungary
Date of Birth and Death: 1242-1270
Feast Day: January 18th

Notable: Nun

Life:Margaret was born a royal princess of Hungary with all of the privileges of that class. but she choose to live humbly as a nun. Her father was Bela IV, King of Hungary during the time when Hungary was under threat from various enemies such as the Mongols and the Turks. After her birth, her parents promised God that they would dedicate their daughter to Him if only He would save them from the invaders. Bela was victorious and at the age of three, Margaret was sent to live with Dominican Sisters. Later, her father built her a convent on an island in the Danube river.

As she grew older, she was sought out as a wife by the King of Bohemia but she vowed to disfigure herself rather than leave the convent and her spiritual life. Even though she was born a princess, she refused any special treatment because of her station and sought out the most menial and humiliating tasks. She undertook severe forms of penance including never washing herself which caused others to shun her. Lenten times she would fast for days threatening her health. Throughout her life, she remained gentle and playful. Still, the rigors of her life lead to her death at an early age.

Many miracles have been attributed to Margaret including saving the life of a servant. She has been noted for her humility and holiness.

Prayer

God our father,
please watch over the sisters of our Church.
Help us to remember to honor them for their devoted service to You.
Remind us that they have offered all of themselves to You and are
there to guide and help us.
Grant them the courage to continue in their work
and remain graceful women of the Lord. Amen.