St. Margaret of Cortona Repents

Published 3 days ago • 2 min read

St. Margaret of Cortona Repents

by Kristen West McGuire

Margaret of Cortona was born in the 13th century in the small Italian town of Laviano. Growing up as an only child, she was spoiled and willful, and her beauty attracted attention from wealthy men.

After her mother’s death and a strained relationship with her new stepmother, Margaret, still a teenager, ran away with a nobleman from Montepulciano. She lived as his mistress for nine years and had a son with him.

Despite living in luxury, Margaret was miserable. She felt enslaved by her lifestyle and was haunted by memories of her mother and the shame she had brought upon her family. This period of her life ended abruptly when her lover was murdered and she discovered his body hidden in a pile of sticks. The horrific sight was a spiritual awakening for Margaret, forcing her to confront her sinful life and the state of her own soul.

With nowhere else to go, she returned to her father’s house in Laviano. He initially took her in, but her dramatic public acts of penance—meant to atone for her sins—embarrassed him and angered her stepmother. She was soon cast out, homeless and with her young son in tow.

Contemplating a return to her old life for comfort and security, Margaret ultimately chose a different path. She sought help from Franciscan friars at La Celle, who took her in with caution. Although tempted to return to the castle where she found comfort and luxury, she chose the path of renunciation.

Margaret’s repentance was profound and xtreme. She lived in poverty, dressed in rags, and even disfigured her beautiful face to destroy what she saw as the source of her downfall. The friars had to rein in her excessive self-punishment.

The rest of her life was dedicated to God and helping the poor. She earned her living as a nurse, but eventually depended on alms, which she shared with those in greater need. She also founded a society of women dedicated to caring for the sick and poor, and became a powerful spiritual figure who advised bishops and helped settle conflicts.

Margaret died in 1297 at the age of 50. Due to her intense penance and deep spirituality, she is often called the “Second Magdalene” after Mary Magdalene. Her body, which remains incorrupt, is still venerated in Cortona.

Want to read more? Fr. Alban Goodier’s exceprt from Saints for Sinners is on the EWTN website.