Devout and God-worthy

‘We need not wonder that Queen Margaret governed herself and her household wisely when we know that she herself acted always under the wisest of masters, the guidance of the holy scriptures. I myself have had frequent opportunities of admiring in her how, even amidst the distractions of lawsuits, amidst the countless cares of state, she devoted herself with wonderful assiduity to the word of God. Journeying thus onwards towards the heavenly country in thought and word and deed, this devout and God-worthy Queen called on others to accompany her in the undefiled way, so that they with her might attain true happiness. Thus it came to pass that this venerable Queen, who (by God’s help) had been so desirous to cleanse his house from all filth and error, was found day by day worthier of becoming his temple, as the Holy Spirit, shone ever brighter in her heart. When she spoke with me about the salvation of the souls and the sweetness of the life which is eternal, every word she uttered was so filled with grace that the Holy Spirit, who truly dwelt within her breast, evidently spoke by her lips, so deep was her contrition that whilst she was talking she seemed as if she could melt away in tears, so that my soul, pierced like her own, wept also. Of all living persons whom I know or have known she was the most devoted to prayer and fasting, to works of mercy and almsgiving’.

from the Life of St Margaret, Queen of Scotland by Turgot, Bishop of St Andrews, c.1048-1115

O God, who didst call thy servant Margaret to an earthly throne that she might advance thy heavenly kingdom, and didst endue her with zeal for thy Church and charity towards thy people: mercifully grant that we who ask her prayers and commemorate her example may be fruitful in good works, and attain to the glorious fellowship of thy saints; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, ​who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. - Divine Worship: The Missal.