Saint Margaret of Antioch
Saint Margaret, or Holy Marine in the Eastern Church, was born in Antioch of Pisidia (in which Turkey), in the 3rd century, to a pagan family. Saint Patron of pregnant women or about to give birth, Saint Margaret is an example of resilience, courage, and trust in Christ. Full of love for the Savior, she never abandoned Him, never denied her faith, even during her martyrdom. Saint Margaret is an example of holiness to follow.
The life of Saint Margaret of Antioch, who died as a martyr
Discovery of the Christian religion
Saint Margaret lost her mother at a very young age, so her father entrusted her to a nurse, who was secretly a Christian. The child grew up and embraced this religion. At the age of 15, she officially converted to Christianity and decided to dedicate her life solely and entirely to her new faith.
Martyrdom of Saint Margaret
One day, the prefect Olibrius (or Olybrios) noticed the beauty of Saint Marguerite and decided to make her his future wife, on the condition that she renounce her faith in Christ and practice pagan sacrifices. Faced with her categorical refusal, he had her thrown into prison and brought before the court the next day. Persistent, courageous, and pious, Saint Marguerite did not renounce her faith. Seeing this, and furious, the prefect had her suspended on a rack and brutally tortured. Despite hours of torment, Marguerite seemed not to suffer, and was sent back to prison. It was at this moment that the dragon from the Golden Legend arrived in her cell, while she was praying. After defeating it, a dove appeared to the saint, announcing that she would soon join Christ, her King. The next day, the prefect condemned her once again. She was stripped, burned with torches, and plunged headfirst into a basin full of water. However, the dove that accompanied her and carried the palm of the martyrs reappeared above the basin. Marguerite emerged unscathed and freed from her bonds. Witnessing this miracle, 15,000 pagans converted but were immediately beheaded (this is what is called the Baptism of Blood). Before suffering the same fate, Saint Marguerite prayed to the Lord that any pregnant woman who implored her would safely give birth. Her body was recovered by a Christian named Theotime, who was able to bury her in a cave near Antioch. The relics, under the name of Saint Marine, were later moved to Constantinople. Then, after the city was captured, they were brought to Europe in 1204 by the Crusaders, this time under the name of Saint Marguerite.
Legend of Saint Margaret and the Dragon
According to the story of the Golden Legend, as recounted by Jacques de Voragine, Margaret is said to have fought a dragon and then been devoured. However, miraculously, the saint emerged from the beast's belly thanks to a crucifix, and then trampled it. This is why Saint Margaret is always depicted with a monster at her feet. Beyond the marvelous aspect of this tale, the symbolism is strong. Indeed, in Christianity, the dragon is often a representation of Evil and Paganism. Saint Margaret's victory over the beast is therefore a representation of the success of Christianity against heretics.
Two beautiful prayers to Saint Margaret of Antioch
Pregnant Women's Prayer to Saint Margaret
St. Margaret, please pray for me. You who were stripped of your clothes, tied to the stake, burned with a torch, beaten with a whip, torn with an axe, and who, plunged into boiling oil, vowed to assist any pregnant woman who would invoke you, I beseech you to assist me in the pains of maternity and to intercede so that my child may be born as easily as you emerged from the belly of the dragon.
Prayer by Saint Margaret of Antioch
O God of goodness and mercy, who have created us all for Eternal Salvation, and who desire the death of no one, deign, we pray, to help us effectively through the intercession of Saint Marguerite, whose virtues and sufferings have glorified your name. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Saint Marguerite, so favorable to pregnant women who seek your protection, pray for us and continue to be our advocate in difficult and unexpected events.
Continue your prayer to Saint Margaret with Hozana!
Pray to Saint Margaret, patron saint of future mothers, who watches over and intercedes for them with the Lord, so that they may give birth in gentleness.
Pray to our Heavenly Mother, who accompanies us at every moment of our lives and who loves us unconditionally.
