On November 16, the Church honors St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland, whose life exemplified faith, charity, and devotion. Originally celebrated on June 10, her feast day was moved to November 16 the day of her passing following the revision of the Church’s liturgical calendar. While some communities still observe the earlier date, the majority, including all of Scotland, now celebrate her memory today.
Born into Hungarian royalty around 1045, Margaret was the daughter of Edward Atheling, heir to the English throne, and Princess Agatha of Hungary. Her early life was marked by upheaval: at age 10, her family returned to England, but the Norman Conquest forced them into exile. Following her father’s death, Margaret’s mother fled with the children, ultimately surviving a shipwreck along the Scottish coast, where they found refuge.
At 25, Margaret married Malcolm Canmore, the King of Scotland, in 1070. As queen, her deep faith profoundly influenced the royal court and her husband’s rule. She tempered the king’s temperament, promoted virtue, and modeled reverence and piety, inspiring the nobility and the populace alike. Together, Margaret and Malcolm prayed, cared for the poor, and demonstrated a life of moral integrity, leaving a lasting spiritual imprint on the nation.
Margaret’s devotion extended beyond courtly life. She worked tirelessly to aid the disadvantaged, promote justice, and support the construction of churches. Her private life reflected remarkable prayerfulness and humility, reinforcing her reputation as a beacon of Christian virtue. Her influence reached every corner of Scottish society, shaping both rulers and common people.
Tragically, Margaret passed away in 1093, just four days after her husband and one of her sons were killed in battle. She was canonized in 1250 by Pope Innocent IV and was later declared the patron saint of Scotland in 1673, a testament to her enduring legacy of faith, compassion, and service.