St. Margaret, born in Italy, faced many obstacles in her pregnancy and life as a single mother. She became a midwife and helped many other mothers through their pregnancies and beyond. She died in 1297 and her Feast Day is February 22.
St. Margaret of Cortona,
We thank you for your example
Of willingness to accept the gift of life
Despite daunting circumstances,
The scorn of those around you,
And the challenges of single motherhood.
You did not allow your suffering to absorb you
Or to cause despair.
Instead, you trusted in the Lord
And helped other mothers
To welcome their unborn children
And live the joy of motherhood.
We ask you to pray for all mothers today,
And obtain for them the courage and generosity
With which God blessed you.
Enable us also to give witness to life
And to fight the evil of abortion
And the despair of the culture of death.
Fill us with the joy of welcoming and serving life
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
St. Margaret of Cortona, pray for us!
Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life