February 22, 2021

Margaret of Cortona (1247 - 1297) was born in Tuscany. Her father was a small farmer. Her mother died when she was only seven years old. Her step mother did not like high spirited Margaret. Margaret felt rejected at home so she eloped with a youth and bore him a son out of wedlock. After nine years her lover was murdered and she returned back to her father's home in Tuscany along with her son. Margaret's father refused to accept her and her son and so Margaret went to the Friars Minor of Cortana. Margaret still had difficulties with overcoming the temptations of the flesh. She then later confessed her sins and had a full conversion and spent the rest of her life taking care of the sick and the poor.

St. Margaret please help us withstand the temptations of the flesh.