Margaret Clitherow

v. 1556-1586 16th century Feast day: March 26

The hidden faithfulness of daily life, protecting others at one's own expense and leaving all judgment to God alone.

Who was Margaret Clitherow?

A butcher's wife in York and mother of a family, converted to Catholicism under Elizabeth I, she hid hunted priests in her home at the risk of her life. When arrested, she refused to be tried so as to spare her children and neighbors from testifying against her. She was condemned to be crushed to death under weights on March 25, 1586.

In their own words

Having made no offence, I need no trial. I will be tried by none but God and your own consciences.

Answer to her judges, recorded by John Mush, contemporary witness (1586)

I die for the love of my Lord Jesu.

Words before her death, recorded by John Mush (1586)

Jesu, Jesu, Jesu, have mercy on me.

Last words, recorded by John Mush (1586)