Dinner with Saints
Photo credit: Ecstasy of St Margaret of Cortona, Giovanni Lanfranco (1622)
Welcome St. Margaret Of Crotona to the table!
Cestino del pane misto: A selection of fine Italian breads Served with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Followed by an antipasti of Mozzarella in Carrozza, Fingers of creamy fior di latte mozzarella cheese, bread crumbed and deep fried, served with a rich tomato and basil sauce. Finally,Risotto Bosco Arborio rice cooked with fresh asparagus and porcini mushrooms in a creamy white wine and mascarpone sauce with a bicchiere di vino. Yum!
Margaret was an Italian penitent of the Third Order of Saint Francis. She was born in Laviano, a small town located near Perugia, and came from farming parents who worked hard to make a living in Laviano, Tuscany. Tragically, her mother passed away when Margaret was just seven years old; thereafter, life with her stepmother became so difficult and unbearable that Margaret made the decision to move out. For a significant period of nine years, she lived with a man named Arsenio, although they were not formally married, and during this time, she bore him a son. After facing rejection from her father, who refused to accept her and her child, she sought refuge at the Friars Minor in the town of Cortona, where she received much-needed asylum.
Despite her efforts, Margaret found it challenging to overcome the many temptations of the flesh that plagued her. One particular Sunday, she returned to Laviano wearing a cord around her neck, symbolizing her struggle. During Mass, she publicly asked for pardon for the scandals of her past. In a moment of despair, she attempted to mutilate her own face as a form of penance, but thankfully, she was restrained by Friar Giunta. To support herself, Margaret earned a modest living by nursing sick women in her community. However, she later chose to give up this work to devote herself entirely to serving the sick and poor, doing so without any form of recompense, and subsisting solely on the generosity of alms. Eventually, she joined the Third Order of St. Francis, committing her life to the spiritual values and service of the order, and her son also joined the Franciscans a few years later, following in his mother's footsteps.
She established a hospital and founded a congregation of tertiary sisters dedicated to serving the needy. The poor and humble Margaret was, like Francis, deeply devoted to the Eucharist and to the passion of Jesus Christ. These heartfelt devotions not only fueled her great charity but also drew sinners to her, seeking her wise counsel and inspiration during their times of struggle. She was canonized in the year 1728, a testament to her virtuous life and legacy. St. Margaret of Cortona’s liturgical feast is celebrated annually on February 22, honoring her significant contributions to the faith and the community.
“In times of desolation, God conceals Himself from us so that we can discover for ourselves what we are without Him.”
St.Margaret of Crotona
St. Margaret of Cortona, after your profound repentance from a sinful life, you made the courageous decision to wholeheartedly embrace the call to serve God as a dedicated member of the Third Order Franciscan. You committed yourself to a life of devotion and service, dedicating the remainder of your days to glorifying God in every action. Please, with your unwavering faith, bring my humble petitions before God, Whom you served with such deep devotion and love!
St. Margaret of Crotona ,Pray for Us …
Keep at it! Keep praying. Love the Lord.
Peace and Grace.
For the Recipe for Mozzarella in Carrozza (Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches) click on the photo
