St. Margaret of York
St. Margaret Clitherow
A Fervent Believer
St. Margaret Clitherow of York, England (1553–1586) was a devoted wife, mother, and courageous woman of faith during the English Reformation. The daughter of Thomas Middleton, Sheriff of York and a Protestant wax-chandler, she married John Clitherow, a prosperous butcher and chamberlain of the city. They lived on The Shambles, a well-known street in York that remains famous today.
About three years into her marriage, Margaret converted to Catholicism and became a fervent believer. In a time when the practice of her faith was forbidden, she quietly arranged Masses, sheltered priests, and kept the faith alive within her home. Her deepest desire was to raise her children in the Catholic tradition and to hand down the faith that gave her strength.
When arrested, Margaret refused a jury trial so her children would not be forced to testify against her. She was condemned to death by pressing (“peine forte et dure”) and died on March 29, 1586, praying, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! Have mercy on me!” Her right hand is preserved at St. Mary’s Convent in York, though her burial place remains unknown. Two of her sons became priests, and her daughter became a nun, a living testament to their mother’s faith.
The Pearl of York
Canonized in 1970 by Pope Paul VI as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, St. Margaret Clitherow—known as the “Pearl of York”—shines as a model of courage, conviction, and maternal love. A convert who risked everything to protect her family’s faith, she is remembered as a martyr of motherhood, offering her life rather than betray her husband or children.
Her quiet heroism continues to inspire believers today. Our community honors her with an icon in our school and a statue in our Holy Hallway. We are blessed to be the only Catholic church in the United States dedicated to St. Margaret of York—our patron, our model of steadfast faith, and our mother in spirit.
Each week in our bulletin we feature "A Pearl of York" item highlighting a ministry or person who embodies the spirit of St. Margaret's selfless service.
The Shrine of St. Margaret Clitherow in York, England
The Shrine of St. Margaret Clitherow is located in York, England on a street called the Shambles. It commemorates our dear St. Margaret who gave her life for her faith. Mass is celebrated in the Shrine every Saturday at 10:00 am. Mass is followed by prayers in honor of the York Martyrs.
References
Monro, Margaret T. St. Margaret Clitherow: The Pearl of York. Tan Books and Publishers, Inc. Rockford, IL;
1946 and 2003.
Articles for further information:
The website of her Shrine in York, England:
https://www.yorkoratory.com/st-margaret-clitherow
Comprehensive article:
https://yorkcivictrust.co.uk/heritage/civic-trust-plaques/st-margaret-clitherow-15523-1586/
University of York:
https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/discover-the-hidden-history-of-york/0/steps/319823
