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Margaret of Cortona: Margaret was born of farming parents in Laviano, Tuscany. Her mother died when Margaret was seven; life with her stepmother was so difficult that Margaret moved out. For nine years she lived with Arsenio, though they were not married, and she bore him a son. In those years, she had doubts about her situation. Somewhat like St. Augustine she prayed for purity—but not just yet.
<p>One day she was waiting for Arsenio and was instead met by his dog. The animal led Margaret into the forest where she found Arsenio murdered. This crime shocked Margaret into a life of penance. She and her son returned to Laviano, where she was not well received by her stepmother. They then went to Cortona, where her son eventually became a friar.
</p><p>In 1277, three years after her conversion, Margaret became a Franciscan tertiary. Under the direction of her confessor, who sometimes had to order her to moderate her self-denial, she pursued a life of prayer and penance at Cortona. There she established a hospital and founded a congregation of tertiary sisters. The poor and humble Margaret was, like Francis, devoted to the Eucharist and to the passion of Jesus. These devotions fueled her great charity and drew sinners to her for advice and inspiration. She was canonized in 1728.</p>

All He wants you to do is be kind to one another in every circumstance in life; whether it be in death, feeding the hungry, visiting those in prisons, or whatever. Death is not the end, it’s just the beginning.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

	Embracing Motherhood
	This new book addresses the vocation of motherhood, with all its joys and challenges.

	New book!
	Drink more deeply of the living water of the Holy Spirit in this new book from Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa!

	New book
	These amazing stories from American Catholic Radio are sure to inspire!

	New book
	Get help for your prayer life from the saints!

	The Catholics Next Door—new book!
	Greg and Jennifer Willits offer insight for every Catholic stumbling toward a more fruitful relationship with God.

CATHOLIC GREETINGS

	Graduation
	Let a special graduate know how proud you are of their accomplishment.

	St. Isidore the Farmer
	This deeply religious 12^th-century husband and father was known for his love of the poor.

	Happy Birthday
	Make the most of God’s graces and blessings throughout the coming year.

	Mother's Day
	Happy Mother's Day from Catholic Greetings and AmericanCatholic.org!

	Mother's Day
	Happy Mother’s Day from Catholic Greetings and AmericanCatholic.org!

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