St Margaret of Scotland – 16 November 2020

This statue of Queen Margaret is in the memorial garden at St Paul’s Episcopal Church, Stockbridge, MA. Although her walk is quiet, she is far from still. The movement of her hands suggests thought, prayer, and maybe argument. She is contained, and strong. In this depiction of her person she carries none of her usual attributes. There is no royal staff of office, no holy book open in her hands, no Holyrood carried for devotion. She is simply a crowned saint, an individual open to the Spirit of God.

The statue is by Anna Coleman Watts Ladd.

“When [Margaret] spoke, her conversation was seasoned with the salt of wisdom. When she was silent, her silence was filled with good thoughts. So thoroughly did her outward bearing correspond with the staidness of her character that it seemed as if she had been born the pattern of a virtuous life.”

Turgot of Durham, Bishop of S Andrew’s, biographer 1100-07

As you advanced your kingdom through the work of Margaret,
Mother and Queen, fill us with zeal.

Litany, Scottish Episcopal Church

Almighty God, you called your servant Margaret to an earthly throne that she might advance your heavenly kingdom, and endued her with zeal for your Church and charity towards your people.  Mercifully grant that we who commemorate her example may be fruitful in good works and attain to the glorious company of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Collect of Margaret of Scotland, Scottish Episcopal Church