St Margaret of Scotland

St. Margaret of Scotland, was an English princess born in Hungary to Princess Agatha of Hungary and English Prince Edward around 1045. Her siblings, Cristina and Edgar the Atheling were also born in Hungary around this time. Margaret and her family returned to England when she was 10 years old when her father was called back as a potential successor to the throne. However, Edward died immediately after the family arrived, but Margaret and Edgar continued to reside at the English court. Agatha set out to take her children north to Northumbria. She later decided to leave Northumbria and return to the continent, but her family's ship got caught in a storm. The storm drove their ship even more north to Scotland, where they were shipwrecked in 1068. The spot they landed on is now known as "St. Margaret's Hope." Malcolm Canmore III, the king of Scotland, welcomed Margaret and her family and put them under his protection. He soon fell deeply in love with the beautiful and kind princess. Margaret and Malcolm married in 1070 at the castle of Dunfermline. Together, they had eight children, six sons, and two daughters. All of whom were raised with deep Catholic faith. They lived as a holy family, a domestic church. Margaret's kind-nature and good heart was a strong influence on Malcolm's reign. She softened his temper and helped him become a virtuous King of Scotland. Together they prayed, fed the hungry, and offered a powerful example of living faith in action. Margaret was placed in charge of all domestic affairs and was often consulted with state matters, as well. She promoted the arts and education in Scotland, encouraged Church synods, and was involved in efforts to correct the religious abuses involving Bishops, priests, and laypeople.

Her impact in Scotland led her to being referred to as "The Pearl of Scotland." She constantly worked to aid the poor Scotland, and encouraged people to live a devout life, grow in prayer and in holiness. She helped to build churches, including the Abbey of Dunfermline, where a relic of the true Cross is kept. She was well-known for her deep life of prayer and piety. She set aside specific times for prayer and to read Scripture. She didn't eat often and slept very little so she would have more time for her devotions. She lived holiness of life as a wife, mother, and lay woman; truly in love with Jesus Christ.
Malcolm supported Margaret in all her endeavors and admired her religious devotion so much he had her books decorated in jewels, gold, and silver. In 1093, Malcolm and their oldest son were killed during the Battle of Alnwick. Already ill and worn from a life full of austerity and fasting, Margaret passed away four days after her husband, on November 16, 1093. Her body was buried before the high altar at Dunfermline. She was canonized in 1250 by Pope Innocent IV.