Marguerite Bays

Marguerite Bays

Marguerite Bays (8 September 1815 – 27 June 1879) was a Swiss laywoman and mystic who was canonized as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church on 13 October 2019 by Pope Francis. Born in La Pierraz, Siviriez, near Fribourg, Switzerland, Bays was the daughter of simple, pious farmers. From a young age, she showed a deep love for prayer and a particular devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Despite her lack of formal education, she was known for her wisdom and the depth of her spiritual insights.

Early Life and Vocation

Marguerite Bays was born into a devout Catholic family and spent much of her life working as a seamstress. She never married, dedicating her life to her family, her work, and her community. From her youth, she felt a strong call to serve God and experienced mystical graces, including visions of the Passion of Christ.

Stigmata and Mystical Experiences

At the age of 35, Bays developed the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, which she bore privately, seeking no attention for her sufferings. Her humility and the way she united her sufferings with those of Jesus attracted many to seek her guidance. Bays was also known for her gift of healing and her ability to mediate conflicts within her community.

Canonization

The cause for Marguerite Bays' canonization began in 1929, and she was beatified by Pope John Paul II on 29 October 1995. On 13 May 2018, Pope Francis recognized a miracle attributed to her intercession, paving the way for her canonization. Marguerite Bays was canonized on 13 October 2019, becoming one of the few laywomen to be declared a saint without having founded a religious order or congregation.

Legacy

Saint Marguerite Bays is a model of lay spirituality and mysticism. Her life is a testament to the possibility of living a deeply spiritual life in the world, without the need for formal religious vows. She is particularly venerated in Switzerland and by those devoted to the Passion of Christ and the stigmata.

Feast Day

Her feast day is celebrated on 27 June, the anniversary of her death.