Day 1 - March 17
A Life of Faith Amid Persecution
Reflection:
St. Margaret Clitherow was born in 1556 in York, England, to Protestant parents, yet she embraced the Catholic faith at the age of 18. In a time when Catholics faced severe persecution under Queen Elizabeth I, her conversion marked the beginning of a courageous journey. βFor God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-controlβ (2 Tim 1:7). Her faith became the foundation of her life, even as the world around her grew hostile.
Prayer:
I greet you, O Glorious St. Margaret Clitherow, Martyr of York, Pearl of Faith, and steadfast servant of Christ! I greet you, Model of Courage and Witness to the Truth, Patroness of converts and those who suffer for the faith!
Most faithful Martyr, inspired by your unwavering love for God and His Church, I humbly turn to you, weak as I am, and ask you to obtain for me from Our Lord Jesus Christ the favor I seek in this novena.
(State your intentions hereβ¦)
Our Fatherβ¦
Hail Maryβ¦
Glory Beβ¦
Obtain for me also, O Pearl of York, a deep sorrow for my sins and the grace to follow the virtues you so heroically lived, especially faith, fortitude, and charity. Above all, I beg you to be my guide and intercessor, to number me among your devoted followers, and to lead me to the heart of Christ from your place of glory.
Do not turn away my pleas, O Mother and Martyr! Take pity on me, and stand by me in life and at the hour of my death. Amen.
Day 2 - March 18
A Convertβs Zeal
Reflection:
Margaretβs conversion to Catholicism in 1574, three years after marrying John Clitherow, a Protestant butcher, was a bold act of faith. Despite the risks, she embraced the Church fully, saying, βI ground my faith upon Jesu Christ, and by Him I steadfastly believe to be saved.β Her zeal led her to nurture her family in the faith and to support others in their return to the Church.
Prayer:
I greet you, O Glorious St. Margaret Clitherow, Martyr of York, Pearl of Faith, and steadfast servant of Christ! I greet you, Model of Courage and Witness to the Truth, Patroness of converts and those who suffer for the faith!
Most faithful Martyr, inspired by your unwavering love for God and His Church, I humbly turn to you, weak as I am, and ask you to obtain for me from Our Lord Jesus Christ the favor I seek in this novena.
(State your intentions hereβ¦)
Our Fatherβ¦
Hail Maryβ¦
Glory Beβ¦
Obtain for me also, O Pearl of York, a deep sorrow for my sins and the grace to follow the virtues you so heroically lived, especially faith, fortitude, and charity. Above all, I beg you to be my guide and intercessor, to number me among your devoted followers, and to lead me to the heart of Christ from your place of glory.
Do not turn away my pleas, O Mother and Martyr! Take pity on me, and stand by me in life and at the hour of my death. Amen.
Day 3 - March 19
A Motherβs Devotion
Reflection:
As a wife and mother of three, Margaret raised her childrenβHenry, Anne, and Williamβin the Catholic faith, even sending her eldest son to Douai to study for the priesthood. βTrain up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from itβ (Prov 22:6). Her home became a refuge of prayer and instruction, despite the ever-present threat of discovery.
Prayer:
I greet you, O Glorious St. Margaret Clitherow, Martyr of York, Pearl of Faith, and steadfast servant of Christ! I greet you, Model of Courage and Witness to the Truth, Patroness of converts and those who suffer for the faith!
Most faithful Martyr, inspired by your unwavering love for God and His Church, I humbly turn to you, weak as I am, and ask you to obtain for me from Our Lord Jesus Christ the favor I seek in this novena.
(State your intentions hereβ¦)
Our Fatherβ¦
Hail Maryβ¦
Glory Beβ¦
Obtain for me also, O Pearl of York, a deep sorrow for my sins and the grace to follow the virtues you so heroically lived, especially faith, fortitude, and charity. Above all, I beg you to be my guide and intercessor, to number me among your devoted followers, and to lead me to the heart of Christ from your place of glory.
Do not turn away my pleas, O Mother and Martyr! Take pity on me, and stand by me in life and at the hour of my death. Amen.
Day 4 - March 20
Harboring Priests
Reflection:
Margaretβs love for the Mass led her to risk her life by hiding fugitive priests in her home. She created a secret room and a priest hole for their safety, knowing that discovery meant death. βWhoever receives one such child in My name receives Meβ (Matt 18:5)βand she received Christβs ministers with open arms.
Prayer:
I greet you, O Glorious St. Margaret Clitherow, Martyr of York, Pearl of Faith, and steadfast servant of Christ! I greet you, Model of Courage and Witness to the Truth, Patroness of converts and those who suffer for the faith!
Most faithful Martyr, inspired by your unwavering love for God and His Church, I humbly turn to you, weak as I am, and ask you to obtain for me from Our Lord Jesus Christ the favor I seek in this novena.
(State your intentions hereβ¦)
Our Fatherβ¦
Hail Maryβ¦
Glory Beβ¦
Obtain for me also, O Pearl of York, a deep sorrow for my sins and the grace to follow the virtues you so heroically lived, especially faith, fortitude, and charity. Above all, I beg you to be my guide and intercessor, to number me among your devoted followers, and to lead me to the heart of Christ from your place of glory.
Do not turn away my pleas, O Mother and Martyr! Take pity on me, and stand by me in life and at the hour of my death. Amen.
Day 5 - March 21
Arrest and Trial
Reflection:
On March 10, 1586, Margaretβs home was raided, and a frightened child revealed the hiding place of priestly vestments. Arrested and brought before the court, she refused to plead, saying, βHaving made no offense, I need no trial,β to spare her family from testifying. βBlessed are those who are persecuted for righteousnessβ sakeβ (Matt 5:10).
Prayer:
I greet you, O Glorious St. Margaret Clitherow, Martyr of York, Pearl of Faith, and steadfast servant of Christ! I greet you, Model of Courage and Witness to the Truth, Patroness of converts and those who suffer for the faith!
Most faithful Martyr, inspired by your unwavering love for God and His Church, I humbly turn to you, weak as I am, and ask you to obtain for me from Our Lord Jesus Christ the favor I seek in this novena.
(State your intentions hereβ¦)
Our Fatherβ¦
Hail Maryβ¦
Glory Beβ¦
Obtain for me also, O Pearl of York, a deep sorrow for my sins and the grace to follow the virtues you so heroically lived, especially faith, fortitude, and charity. Above all, I beg you to be my guide and intercessor, to number me among your devoted followers, and to lead me to the heart of Christ from your place of glory.
Do not turn away my pleas, O Mother and Martyr! Take pity on me, and stand by me in life and at the hour of my death. Amen.
Day 6 - March 22
Sentenced to Death
Reflection:
For refusing to plead, Margaret was sentenced to be pressed to deathβa gruesome execution reserved for those who defied the court. She accepted her fate with peace, trusting in Godβs mercy. βFear not, for I am with youβ (Isaiah 41:10)βher courage shone as a beacon in darkness.
Prayer:
I greet you, O Glorious St. Margaret Clitherow, Martyr of York, Pearl of Faith, and steadfast servant of Christ! I greet you, Model of Courage and Witness to the Truth, Patroness of converts and those who suffer for the faith!
Most faithful Martyr, inspired by your unwavering love for God and His Church, I humbly turn to you, weak as I am, and ask you to obtain for me from Our Lord Jesus Christ the favor I seek in this novena.
(State your intentions hereβ¦)
Our Fatherβ¦
Hail Maryβ¦
Glory Beβ¦
Obtain for me also, O Pearl of York, a deep sorrow for my sins and the grace to follow the virtues you so heroically lived, especially faith, fortitude, and charity. Above all, I beg you to be my guide and intercessor, to number me among your devoted followers, and to lead me to the heart of Christ from your place of glory.
Do not turn away my pleas, O Mother and Martyr! Take pity on me, and stand by me in life and at the hour of my death. Amen.
Day 7 - March 23
Her Martyrdom
Reflection:
On March 25, 1586βGood Friday and the AnnunciationβMargaret was crushed under a door laden with weights, dying after 15 minutes while praying, βJesu, Jesu, Jesu, have mercy on me!β Possibly pregnant with her fourth child, she offered her life for the faith. βGreater love has no one than thisβ (John 15:13).
Prayer:
I greet you, O Glorious St. Margaret Clitherow, Martyr of York, Pearl of Faith, and steadfast servant of Christ! I greet you, Model of Courage and Witness to the Truth, Patroness of converts and those who suffer for the faith!
Most faithful Martyr, inspired by your unwavering love for God and His Church, I humbly turn to you, weak as I am, and ask you to obtain for me from Our Lord Jesus Christ the favor I seek in this novena.
(State your intentions hereβ¦)
Our Fatherβ¦
Hail Maryβ¦
Glory Beβ¦
Obtain for me also, O Pearl of York, a deep sorrow for my sins and the grace to follow the virtues you so heroically lived, especially faith, fortitude, and charity. Above all, I beg you to be my guide and intercessor, to number me among your devoted followers, and to lead me to the heart of Christ from your place of glory.
Do not turn away my pleas, O Mother and Martyr! Take pity on me, and stand by me in life and at the hour of my death. Amen.
Day 8 - March 24
The Pearl of York
Reflection:
Known as the βPearl of York,β Margaretβs sacrifice inspired countless souls. Her hand, preserved incorrupt at the Bar Convent, remains a testament to her holiness. Canonized in 1970 among the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, she shines as a light of fidelity. βYou are the light of the worldβ (Matt 5:14).
Prayer:
I greet you, O Glorious St. Margaret Clitherow, Martyr of York, Pearl of Faith, and steadfast servant of Christ! I greet you, Model of Courage and Witness to the Truth, Patroness of converts and those who suffer for the faith!
Most faithful Martyr, inspired by your unwavering love for God and His Church, I humbly turn to you, weak as I am, and ask you to obtain for me from Our Lord Jesus Christ the favor I seek in this novena.
(State your intentions hereβ¦)
Our Fatherβ¦
Hail Maryβ¦
Glory Beβ¦
Obtain for me also, O Pearl of York, a deep sorrow for my sins and the grace to follow the virtues you so heroically lived, especially faith, fortitude, and charity. Above all, I beg you to be my guide and intercessor, to number me among your devoted followers, and to lead me to the heart of Christ from your place of glory.
Do not turn away my pleas, O Mother and Martyr! Take pity on me, and stand by me in life and at the hour of my death. Amen.
Day 9 - March 25
Patroness and Intercessor
Reflection:
Today, we honor St. Margaret Clitherow as patroness of converts, businesswomen, martyrs, and the Catholic Womenβs League. Her life calls us to perseverance and trust in Godβs will. βTo him who overcomes, I will give a white stone, and on the stone a new nameβ (Rev 2:17)βher victory is our hope.
Prayer:
I greet you, O Glorious St. Margaret Clitherow, Martyr of York, Pearl of Faith, and steadfast servant of Christ! I greet you, Model of Courage and Witness to the Truth, Patroness of converts and those who suffer for the faith!
Most faithful Martyr, inspired by your unwavering love for God and His Church, I humbly turn to you, weak as I am, and ask you to obtain for me from Our Lord Jesus Christ the favor I seek in this novena.
(State your intentions hereβ¦)
Our Fatherβ¦
Hail Maryβ¦
Glory Beβ¦
Obtain for me also, O Pearl of York, a deep sorrow for my sins and the grace to follow the virtues you so heroically lived, especially faith, fortitude, and charity. Above all, I beg you to be my guide and intercessor, to number me among your devoted followers, and to lead me to the heart of Christ from your place of glory.
Do not turn away my pleas, O Mother and Martyr! Take pity on me, and stand by me in life and at the hour of my death. Amen.
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