![[Saint Margaret of Cortona]](ncd05065.jpg "??kb jpg New Catholic Dictionary illustration of Saint Margaret of Cortona; please do not write to ask about the image")
Penitent, born Laviano, Tuscany, 1249; died Cortona, 1297.
After living for some time as a concubine, she repented and, as a Franciscan tertiary, became a model of penitence and charity.
She founded a congregation of Tertiary sisters (Poverelle) a confraternity of Our Lady of Mercy, and a hospital for the sick poor.
Represented in art, following a dog to the corpse of her lover, holding a cross in her hand, and receiving a visit from Bon angel.
Canonized, 1728.
Feast, 22 February.
New Catholic Dictionary
