Born in Hungary in 1056, Margaret was the daughter of an exiled English Prince. 

Because her father was a potential successor to the English throne, he was recalled to England when Margaret was still a child but immediately died upon returning. A death that was suspicious at best. 

Her brother, Edgar, was eventually proclaimed King of England but was ousted by William the Conqueror which, once again, forced Margaret and her family into exile. 

On their return to the continent, a storm pushed their ship north, to Scotland, where it was shipwrecked. They were rescued and given protection by King Malcolm II. 

Malcolm fell in love with Margaret and the two were married. They had six sons and two daughters, all of whom had great faith. 

Margaret personally supervised their religious instruction and other studies. She and Malcolm celebrated two Lents, one before Easter and the other before Advent. 

During these times, she always rose before midnight mass and, on the way home, would wash the feet of six poor persons, and give them alms. 

She always surrounded herself with beggars in public and never refused them. It is recorded she never sat down to eat without feeding nine orphans and 24 adults. 

Margaret had a great love for the people of Scotland and came to be known as “The Pearl of Scotland”. 

But, in 1093, King Rufus made a surprise attack on their castle. King Malcolm and his oldest son, Edward, were killed and Margaret, already on her deathbed, died four days later. 

St. Margaret of Scotland, please pray for us.