Saint Margaret of Scotland (c. 1045–1093) is revered as one of Scotland’s most beloved saints. Known for her piety, charity, and reformative spirit, Margaret’s life exemplifies the qualities of a Christian ruler dedicated to the spiritual and moral welfare of her people. Her contributions to Scotland’s church and society were transformative, leaving an enduring legacy that led to her canonisation in 1250 by Pope Innocent IV. This post explores the qualities and actions that made Saint Margaret a saint and examines her profound influence on Scottish Christianity.
Early Life and Path to Scotland
Margaret was born around 1045 in the Kingdom of Hungary, where her family had taken refuge during the Danish invasion of England. Her father, Edward the Exile, was the son of King Edmund Ironside of England, while her mother, Agatha, was a member of the Hungarian nobility (Forbes, 2012). Margaret’s royal lineage and education prepared her for a life of influence. Following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Margaret and her family sought refuge in Scotland, where they were welcomed by King Malcolm III. Margaret eventually married Malcolm, becoming Queen of Scotland around 1070 (Dunlop, 2000).
Commitment to Charity and the Poor
One of the most celebrated aspects of Margaret’s life was her dedication to charity. She is often remembered for her compassion for the poor, an essential quality of sainthood in Christian tradition. Margaret not only gave generously to those in need but also served them personally, embodying the Christian principle of caring for “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). Biographer Turgot, Bishop of St. Andrews and a close confidant of Margaret, recounts that she would daily feed hundreds of the poor, even washing their feet as an act of humility and service (Turgot, 1998).
Her charitable work extended beyond feeding and clothing the poor. Margaret founded several hostels for pilgrims and travellers, establishing places of shelter and refuge across Scotland. These acts of charity and hospitality reflect her commitment to living out the Christian values of mercy and kindness, one of the key reasons she is honoured as a saint (Bartlett, 2013).
Reformation of the Scottish Church
Margaret was not only a queen but also a reformer of the Scottish Church. At the time, the Scottish church held certain practices that differed from those of the broader Latin Christian tradition. Margaret, familiar with the customs of the Roman Church from her education and upbringing, sought to bring Scotland into closer alignment with Rome.
She advocated for the observance of the Sabbath on Sundays rather than Saturdays, regularised practices around Lent and Easter, and promoted the use of Latin liturgy, which was more widely accepted within Christendom (Lynch, 1992). According to Turgot, Margaret held discussions with the Scottish clergy, persuading them to adopt these changes with a firm yet gentle approach (Turgot, 1998). These reforms were instrumental in strengthening Scotland’s connection with the broader European Church, an achievement that contributed to her sainthood due to its lasting impact on Scottish religious life.
Dedication to Family and Faith
Margaret’s devotion to her family was profound, but her faith remained at the centre of her life. As a mother of eight children, including three future kings of Scotland, she ensured that her household was a place of piety and learning. Her son, David I, later followed her example and is remembered as a saintly king who promoted religious reform and established many monasteries (Oram, 2008). Margaret’s emphasis on educating her children in the faith had far-reaching effects on Scotland’s monarchy and church, shaping the country’s Christian legacy.
Margaret’s spiritual discipline was central to her life, as she spent hours in prayer, fasting, and scripture reading. Her personal piety, marked by self-denial and a constant focus on God, was well-documented by Turgot, who noted her practice of rising at midnight for prayer (Turgot, 1998). This devotion contributed significantly to her reputation as a saint, showing her unwavering commitment to her faith.
Legacy of the Church of Dunfermline
One of Margaret’s most lasting contributions was her establishment of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Dunfermline, which became a major religious center in Scotland. This church, known today as Dunfermline Abbey, was built as a place of worship and pilgrimage, dedicated to God and enriched with gifts and relics that she had brought from other parts of Europe (McRoberts, 1955). The church not only reflected her devotion but also served as a symbol of the unity she sought to foster between the Scottish Church and the Roman Catholic Church. Margaret’s burial at Dunfermline further cemented the site as a sacred place of pilgrimage after her death, underscoring her lasting spiritual legacy.
Canonisation and Veneration
Margaret’s canonisation in 1250 marked her as Scotland’s first native saint. Her canonisation process included an examination of her life and miracles attributed to her intercession, both of which demonstrated her holiness and her role as a model of Christian virtue (Bartlett, 2013). Pilgrims visited her tomb at Dunfermline, where they reported miracles, adding to her reputation as a powerful intercessor. Pope Innocent IV declared her a saint, citing her life of charity, piety, and reform as evidence of her sanctity.
Saint Margaret’s feast day, celebrated on November 16, continues to be a day of reflection and remembrance, especially within Scotland. Her life has been a source of inspiration for countless individuals seeking to follow her example of charity, devotion, and commitment to God.
Why Saint Margaret of Scotland is Revered as a Saint
Saint Margaret’s life embodied the qualities that define Christian sainthood. Her unwavering dedication to charity, her commitment to reforming and strengthening the Scottish Church, and her personal piety all contributed to her being honoured as a saint. Margaret’s life was a blend of royal influence and profound humility. She used her position not to accumulate personal power but to serve her people, uplift the poor, and bring her country closer to the heart of Christianity.
The Catholic Church canonised Margaret because her life exemplified the “heroic virtue” expected of saints. According to historian Robert Bartlett, “saints are venerated because their lives and actions reveal the divine in human form” (Bartlett, 2013). Margaret’s life was indeed a testament to divine love, compassion, and the transformative power of faith.
Saint Margaret of Scotland’s legacy as a queen, reformer, and compassionate leader endures to this day. Her sainthood reflects not only her personal piety but also her profound impact on the Scottish church and society. Through her charitable acts, commitment to reform, and steadfast devotion to her faith, she remains a model of Christian virtue and an enduring symbol of selfless service. As we reflect on her life, we are reminded of the power of faith to transform lives and the enduring call to serve others with humility and compassion.
References
Bartlett, R. (2013). Why Can the Dead Do Such Great Things?: Saints and Worshippers from the Martyrs to the Reformation. Princeton University Press.
Dunlop, E. (2000). Queen Margaret of Scotland: A Study in Personal Religion and Civic Reform. Historical Journal.
Forbes, H. (2012). Women in Scottish History: Margaret of Scotland. Scottish Historical Review.
Lynch, M. (1992). Scotland: A New History. Pimlico.
McRoberts, D. (1955). The Medieval Church in Scotland. Transactions of the Scottish Ecclesiological Society.
Oram, R. (2008). David I: The King Who Made Scotland. Birlinn.
Very much enjoyed reading the article on Saint Margaret of Scotland. It would be just great to see the Saints of Scotland written about mor frequently than has happened to date. Anyway, many thanks for a stirring read.