Saint Marguerite Bays

Biography

Saint Marguerite Bays was born on September 8, 1815, in Siviriez, Fribourg, Switzerland. She was the second of seven children born to Pierre-Antoine Bays and Josephine Morel, and she grew up in a devoutly religious farming family. Marguerite lived her entire life as a laywoman in the Archdiocese of Lausanne. She supported herself by working as a dressmaker and seamstress. Despite never getting married, she dedicated her life to serving the people of her parish and city, with a particular focus on caring for the sick, children, young women, and the poor. One of the defining aspects of Marguerite's life was her deep prayer life and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. She would spend extended periods in Eucharistic adoration, seeking solace and guidance from her faith. In particular, Marguerite had a special devotion to Our Lady. In 1860, Marguerite joined the Secular Franciscans, embracing their charism of poverty, simplicity, and service. This marked a significant step in her spiritual journey and a deepening of her commitment to her faith. At the age of 35, Marguerite was diagnosed with intestinal cancer. Seeking healing, she fervently prayed for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Miraculously, on December 8, 1854, the day when Blessed Pope Pius IX declared the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, Marguerite was miraculously healed from her cancer. Following her healing, Marguerite began to experience periods of paralysis every Friday. During these episodes, she relived the Passion of Jesus. It was during this time that she received the stigmata, bearing the wounds of Christ on her body. Marguerite lived a life of great humility, dedicating herself to the service of others and remaining steadfast in her faith. Her love for the Eucharist was evident in her devotion and her willingness to offer her sufferings for the salvation of souls. After a life lived with heroic virtues, Marguerite Bays was declared venerable on July 10, 1990, by Pope John Paul II. She was beatified on October 29, 1995, by the same pontiff, with the beatification miracle involving the healing of a middle school student who had been injured in a mountain climbing accident. This student would later become a priest. Finally, on October 13, 2019, Pope Francis canonized Marguerite Bays as a saint at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy. Despite not having a specific patronage assigned to her, Saint Marguerite Bays serves as an example of faith, devotion, and selfless service to the Church and the world.