Margherita of Jesus

Margherita of Jesus, also known as Margherita Colonna, was an Italian woman who dedicated her life to serving God and living a holy life. She was born to a noble family in Rome in 1647 and was raised in a devout Catholic household. Margherita was a beautiful and intelligent young woman, but she had no interest in marriage or worldly affairs. Instead, she felt a strong calling to religious life and wanted to become a nun.

Margherita’s family, however, opposed her decision to enter a convent and wanted her to marry a wealthy nobleman. Margherita realized that she could not follow her calling while living in her family’s home, so she left and took up residence in a small apartment near the Church of San Giovanni dei Fiorentini in Rome. There, she began to live a life of poverty and prayer.

Margherita’s devotion to God and her deep faith were evident in the way she lived her life. She spent long hours in prayer and meditation, and she often fasted and performed acts of penance to deepen her spiritual connection with God. Margherita was known for her humility and charity, and she spent much of her time caring for the sick and poor in the neighborhood around her.

Margherita’s reputation for holiness and service soon spread throughout Rome, and many people came to seek her advice and guidance. Margherita became known as a spiritual director and confidant, and people from all walks of life came to her for comfort and counsel. She moved to a larger apartment to accommodate the growing number of people who sought her help and founded a religious community called the Daughters of Mary.

The Daughters of Mary was a community of women who dedicated their lives to serving God through acts of charity and prayer. Margherita was the first superior of the community and was known for her kindness and wisdom as a leader. The Daughters of Mary grew quickly, and soon there were several convents throughout Italy.

Margherita’s life of service and devotion to God was not without its struggles. She faced many challenges, including opposition from her family and criticism from the Church authorities. Margherita’s radical ideas about religious life and her unconventional approach to prayer and devotion put her at odds with many people in the Church.

Despite these challenges, Margherita continued to follow her calling and remained steadfast in her faith. She died on May 13, 1670, at the age of 23. Her life and works were soon recognized by the Church, and she was beatified by Pope Benedict XIV in 1753. Margherita was later canonized by Pope Francis in 2016.

Margherita of Jesus is remembered as a saintly woman who lived a life of faith and service. Her devotion to God and her commitment to serving others are an inspiration to people of all faiths. Margherita’s legacy lives on in the Daughters of Mary and in the countless people whose lives she touched during her short time on earth.

In conclusion, Margherita of Jesus was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to serving God and living a holy life. Her work as a spiritual director and founder of the Daughters of Mary has inspired countless people over the centuries. Margherita’s story is a testament to the power of faith and the strength of the human spirit. Her canonization is a reminder that even the humblest of us can be called to live a saintly life of faith and service.