November 16 2017 - St. Margaret of Scotland - A pilgrim's reflection

I’ve been awaiting this day for several months. Last summer, I was able to make a pilgrimage to the land of St. Margaret of Scotland. It was my first time visiting a former Catholic country, a country in which Catholicism flourished for centuries, particularly through the efforts and sanctity of today’s saint, but which has become catastrophically secular and anti-Catholic.

It was traumatic for me to see not only closed Churches, by defaced Churches and ancient monasteries beyond repair. St. Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh, formerly a great Catholic Cathedral had been clearly stripped of much of its Roman art and statuary. Monasteries, which predate Queen Margaret by centuries, and also many which she helped to establish had been ransacked and left to crumble by the Scottish reformers. The pilgrimage was very sad at times. But, the petition for the reconversion of Scotland was a perpetual prayer throughout my trip.

I particularly prayed at the places where St. Margaret is still honored by the Scottish Catholics. I stayed near a placed called Queensferry, named after Queen Margaret, where she established a ferry offering free passage across the river Fife for pilgrims traveling to the great shrine of the Apostle St. Andrew.

Wife of the King and mother of eight children, St. Margaret’s sanctity was clearly seen in her compassion, energy, and commitment to the relief of the suffering poor in the midst of extreme political and social upheaval. Sadly, visiting Scotland now is also a reminder how the work of the saints is undone by evil which roots itself in men’s hearts. That is a danger not just in Scotland, but every land.

But I believe rediscovering the holy lives of the saints, turning to their intercession and striving to follow their example helps to win back lost territory for Christ, if not simply the territory of our hearts and minds and souls.

St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland could have indulged in the luxuries of the royal court, and as queen, had any earthly desire satisfied.  But she first and foremost sought to become a saint, and she teaches us to do the same, for the Glory of God and salvation of souls.
 
- - - - -

We pray for the Church in Scotland, that her members may continue to resist the forces of secularism and heresy and be strengthened in their witness to the saving Gospel of Christ.

For those who have fallen into error, for Catholics who have grown lukewarm in their faith, for those who have left the Church, for their conversion and the conversion of all hearts.

For all those struggling with addiction, mental illness, chronic sickness, unemployment, or ongoing trials of any kind: that they will be fortified and blessed with God’s special favor, healing and peace.  We pray to the Lord.

For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, and all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased clergy and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.

O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.