Margaret of Hungary

Margaret of Hungary (1242–1270)

Margaret of Hungary, born Margit on January 27, 1242, was a Hungarian princess who became a Dominican nun. She was the daughter of King Béla IV of Hungary and Maria Laskarina. Her life was marked by a profound dedication to religious vows and a steadfast refusal to enter into political marriages, despite her father's efforts.

Life and Historical Context

Born at Klis Fortress during the first Mongol invasion of Hungary, Margaret was the ninth of ten children. Her parents had vowed to dedicate her to religion should Hungary be freed from the invaders. At the age of three, in 1245, she was placed in the care of the Dominican monastery at Veszprém. Six years later, she was transferred to the Monastery of the Blessed Virgin, founded by her parents on Nyulak Szigete (Rabbit Island) near Buda, which is now known as Margaret Island in Budapest. She spent the remainder of her life there, dedicating herself to spiritual pursuits and resisting attempts by her father to arrange a marriage for her with King Ottokar II of Bohemia. Margaret is believed to have taken solemn vows at eighteen and received the Consecration of Virgins, a measure to prevent her vows from being dispensed for marriage.

Veneration and Canonization

Margaret was venerated as a saint soon after her death in 1270. Steps were taken for her canonization at the request of her brother, King Stephen V, with investigations occurring between 1270 and 1276. Although 74 miracles were attributed to her intercession, the process was not successful at that time. Further unsuccessful attempts were made in the 17th and 18th centuries. She was finally canonized by Pope Pius XII on November 19, 1943. Her feast day is celebrated by the Dominican Order on January 18, the day of her death, and was elevated to a festum duplex by Pope Pius VII.

Legacy

The monastery where Margaret lived was suppressed in 1782, and her remains were transferred to the Poor Clares. While some relics were destroyed, others were preserved and are now kept in Esztergom, Győr, and Pannonhalma. In iconography, Margaret is typically portrayed in a Dominican habit, holding a white lily and a book, symbolizing her purity and devotion.