A few years ago, at the encouragement of a priest-friend of mine, I made pilgrimage to Scotland. I stayed near a place called Queensferry, named after Queen Margaret, whose feast is today. The place was named after the saintly queen because she was devoted to offering free passage across the river Fife to pilgrims traveling to the great shrine of the Apostle St. Andrew, whose x-shaped across adorns scotland’s flag.
The patron saint of my first parish assignment, St. Columbkille, also had a connection to Scotland, having set up a monastery on the Scottish isle of Iona, after having been exiled from Ireland.
I was immediately fascinated by the history of Christianity in Scotland, and yet, also saddened. Though Catholicism flourished in Scotland for centuries, particularly because of the efforts and sanctity of St. Margaret, the county has become catastrophically secular and anti-Catholic, no doubt due to the insidious efforts of Scottish Freemasonry. Around every corner there seemed to be a Church defaced and an ancient monastery beyond repair. St. Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh, formerly one of the world’s great Catholic cathedrals has been nearly stripped of its Roman art and statuary. Monasteries even predating Queen Margaret by centuries, have been ransacked and left to crumble of the Scottish reformers. So throughout my pilgrimage, I offered continual petition to St. Margaret, for Scotland’s reconversion.
Wife of the King and mother of eight children, Queen St. Margaret’s sanctity was clearly seen in her compassion, energy, and commitment to the relief of the suffering poor in the midst of the extreme political and social upheaval of her day. She was a reflection of divine goodness, as we prayed in the Collect, to her family and country. Each day the saintly queen served food to the poor and even washed their feet before she herself would take a meal. She had a great devotion to the Sacrament of Confession—seeking to correct her faults and develop heroic virtue. Throughout the day, she knew the importance of taking breaks from her duties as queen, wife, and mother, in order to pray and to read scripture. She knew the importance of keeping her eyes set on heaven, lest she get too wrapped up in the things of the world. In the midst
What a wonderful model for all of us, and a powerful intercessor to turn to, as our own nation faces, once again, tremendous secularizing anti-Catholic forces. May seek to follow her holy example and know the benefit of her saintly intercession that we too may reflect divine goodness to all we meet for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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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.
