Saint Margaret of Hungary
Hungarian princess dedicated in childhood, Dominican nun on Rabbit Island
- Rank
- Saint
- Kind
- Royalty, Virgin, Religious
- Life
- 1242 – 1270
- Era
- 13th century
- Feast
- 18 January
- Countries
- Hungary, Croatia
Life story
Margaret was born in 1242 at Klis Fortress, now in Croatia. Her parents, among them King Béla IV of Hungary, vowed to dedicate her to religious life if Hungary was freed from the Mongols. In 1245 she entered the Dominican convent at Veszprém; according to the Irish Dominicans she made her vows in 1255 and took the veil in 1261.
She later moved to the convent on Rabbit Island (now Margaret Island in Budapest) and spent the rest of her life there, devoted entirely to contemplation and penance. Her parents had offered her to God even before her birth. Her father wanted her to make a political marriage to King Ottokar II of Bohemia, but she resisted the plan.
She died on 18 January 1270 (some sources say 1271). Veneration began soon after her death, and Pope Pius XII canonised her on 19 November 1943. Her feast is 18 January.
Works and witness
- Promised to religious life when Hungary faced the Mongol invasion
- Entered the Dominican convent at Veszprém in 1245
- Lived on Rabbit Island in Budapest until her death
- Resisted a political marriage to Ottokar II
- Canonised on 19 November 1943
Saints from the same country
References
- Catholic Encyclopedia, "Blessed Margaret of Hungary" (newadvent.org/cathen/09654a.htm)
- Irish Dominicans, "St Margaret of Hungary" (dominicans.ie)
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.