CatholicMom | Lenten Reflections | women's history month | Holy Women's History Month
I want to introduce you to Saint Margaret Mary, one of the most remarkable saints the Church has ever known. I admire her deeply because she chose to give her life to Jesus, turning away from the glamour of the world to embrace a life of prayer and devotion as a Visitation Sister. Soon after joining the Order, Jesus chose her as the vessel through which He would reveal the depths of His love — appearing to her with His heart outside His body, engulfed in flames of divine love. Through her writings and the path she laid out in living this devotion, my life has been enriched and blessed in ways I could never have imagined.
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A Surprising Holy Encounter
I first encountered this beloved saint as a young mom with six children in tow. During Advent, I stumbled upon a pop-up Catholic book sale at our local parish. The first miracle was that I had cash left after buying donuts that Sunday morning! I eagerly purchased every book I could find on the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Saint Margaret Mary, including her letters, as I felt drawn to learn more. Those few dollars turned out to be a priceless investment, transforming my heart and reshaping the course of my life.
Over the years, those books have become tattered — one is even missing its cover — but they have been the wellspring of inspiration for my books, as well as my work in ministry and, most importantly, the gift it has been to our family. The more I read her writings, the more I see how Jesus continually invites us to make His Heart our home — a place of refuge where He pours out grace, peace, joy, forgiveness, and healing, giving us everything we need for our state in life.
Jesus Invites Us to Make His Heart Our Refuge
One of the greatest blessings of my life was visiting Paray-Le-Monial, France, for the 350th anniversary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on pilgrimage last summer. As I walked the worn-down old cobblestone streets with my husband and spent time in prayer in the chapels and old Basilica of the Sacred Heart, I reflected on the beautiful invitation Jesus offers each one of us the invitation — to make His Heart our refuge.
Saint Margaret Mary has shown me the path to inner peace, joy, and the immeasurable love of Christ. She continues to inspire me to pray, trust, and receive the love flowing from His Sacred Heart. The invitation is for all of us — to love Him more and more each day.
During Women's History Month, Catholic Mom writers are celebrating the women who have inspired their faith journeys—whether canonized saints, saints in progress, or beloved women from Scripture. Through personal reflections and heartfelt stories, they share how these holy women have touched their lives, offering wisdom, strength, and a deeper connection to God. Join us as we honor the spiritual legacy of these remarkable women and the lasting impact they continue to have on our hearts and souls. )
Copyright 2025 Emily Jaminet
Images: Holy Cross Family Ministries