St. Margaret of Scotland (Feast Day November 16)

1045 – November 16, 1093

St. Margaret of Scotland, or Margaret of Wessex, was an English princess born in Hungary. She was shipwrecked off the coast of Scotland, where she eventually married Malcolm Canmore III, the king of Scotland. Margaret worked to help the poor in Scotland, encouraging people to live devout lives, grow in prayer, and grow in holiness. She was well-known for her deep life of prayer and piety and for raising their six sons and two daughters with deep faith. Margaret allocated time for prayer and reading Scripture. She ate sparingly and slept little to have more time for devotions. She and Malcolm kept two Lents, one before Easter and one before Christmas. During these times, she always rose at midnight for Mass. On the way home, she would wash the feet of poor people and give them alms. She was always surrounded by beggars in public and never refused them.

·      Compare and contrast the actions of the wise and foolish virgins. What does this parable teach us about being prepared for Jesus’ second coming?

·      Share a time when you’ve fallen asleep but should have been awake.

·      What does Jesus mean when he says, “Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour”?

·      St. Margaret of Scotland raised her children with deep faith. What are some things your family can do to grow deeper in the faith?

Family Foot Washing

Inspired by St. Margaret of Scotland washing the feet of people, take time to wash one another’s feet today.

You’ll need towels (one for the floor and others for drying the feet), a chair, a pitcher or large glass of warm water, and a basin or large bowl. Prepare the space with a towel on the floor and a chair on top of that. Have the other items nearby. Begin by reading John 13:1-15. Then invite each family member to have their feet washed, ensuring everyone gets a turn:

·      Invite them to sit in the chair.

·      Place their feet over the large bowl.

·      Pour the warm water over their feet.

·      Dry their feet with a towel.

·      Optional: Kiss the top of their feet when you are finished.

·      Invite the next person to sit and have their feet washed.

Take some time to discuss your experience of having your feet washed.

Scottish Shortbread

This easy recipe is a great way to honor St. Margaret of Scotland!

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

½ cup confectioner’s sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour, not sifted

Preheat oven to 325 F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats and set aside. Place all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix with an electric mixer until completely combined and dough forms. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness or slightly thicker. Use cookie cutters, biscuit cutters, or a pizza slicer to cut out shapes. Place shapes on prepared baking sheets. Pierce with a fork. Bake 20 minutes or until just lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.

Rosary and Fatima Prayer

Pray a decade of the Rosary by oil lamp or candlelight for your family’s personal intentions and end with the Fatima prayer.

Fatima Prayer:

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy. Amen.

An ambry is a place where the sacred oils are stored. See if you can find the ambry in your church. Bonus question: Four of the seven sacraments include an anointing with one of these oils; which sacraments use these holy oils?

Brainstorm some ways your family can prepare for Jesus’ coming this Advent.

The Fatima Prayer was delivered by Our Lady during the Third Apparition of Our Lady of Fatima to the three shepherd children on July 13, 1917. It is traditionally prayed after the 'Glory Be' for each decade of the Rosary.