Feast day: February 22
Saint Margaret of Cortona was born to a farmer. Her mother died when she was young and, feeling rejected and unwanted, she ran away with a young nobleman. She gave birth to his son and lived as his mistress for several years. Her lover was murdered and Margaret was so overwhelmed with sorrow that she publicly confessed her affair. She spent the rest of her life repenting by performing acts of penance and caring for the poor and sick.
Margaret had a powerful prayer life and experienced ecstasies where she received messages from Heaven. She also had strong devotions to the Eucharist and the Passion of Christ and prophesied the date of her own death.
Saint Margaret of Cortona was canonized in 1728.
(Image in public domain-70)