The Basics: Born September 8, 1815, in Switzerland; died June 27, 1879, in Switzerland; canonized October 13, 2019; feast day, June 27. Laywoman; mystic.
The Story: Other than eleven 240-round-trip pilgrimages made on foot, Marguerite Bays rarely left her hometown. But she found plenty of 
ministry to be done there.
Marguerite was the second of seven children. Her parents were farmers. Many of her siblings found themselves in and out of trouble, often coming back home to live. Of special note was a brother who married and returned to the farm with his wife. The wife did her best to make life miserable for Marguerite, criticizing her almost non-stop. But Marguerite returned her slings with love. When the sister-in-law was dying, Marguerite was the only person she wanted near her.
Many suggested that Marguerite marry or become a woman religious. But she was adamant she was meant to live as a single laywoman. She became a seamstress at an early age and rather than go to work for a particular business in essence was a freelancer. She found opportunities for evangelization through teaching catechism and ministering to the poor and sick.
After what might be termed a miraculous recovery from intestinal cancer in her mid-thirties, Marguerite began to experience the stigmata. Examinations could find no other explanations for her wounds and her ecstasies.
Marguerite’s Wisdom: “How can we love God more?”
What We Can Learn from Marguerite: We don’t have to travel far to reflect Christ to others. Like Marguerite, we’ll find opportunities abound in our own families and circle of friends.
To Learn More About Marguerite: Visit the Marguerite Bays Foundation website.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
