A portrait of St. Margaret Clitherow
St. Margaret Clitherow
1556 – 1586
Feast
March 26 · XVI c.
Patron of
Businesswomen · Converts · Martyrs · York
Order
Laywoman / Martyr / Convert
English laywoman and martyr (1556-1586), "Pearl of York," Yorkshire butcher's wife, convert at 18, repeatedly imprisoned for sheltering priests. Refused to plead in court so as not to compel her children to testify; sentenced to peine forte et dure, pressed to death under a door piled with stones at York. Forty Martyrs of England and Wales canonized 1970 by Paul VI.
Life & Times
Born: 1556 · Died: 1586 · From: England.
Patronage
St. Margaret Clitherow is invoked as the patron of businesswomen, converts, martyrs, york. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“I die for the love of my Lord Jesu.”— Her final words at her martyrdom, March 25, 1586, recorded by John Mush in 'Life of Margaret Clitherow'
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Devotional items honoring St. Margaret Clitherow, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Margaret Clitherow, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.