HISTORY OF SANTA MARGARITA

Part 1) THE BRITISH CONNECTION      Part 2) THE ANGLICAN CHURCH

Part 3) THE BUILDING                               Part 4) OUR PATRON SAINT


OUR PATRON SAINT


Statue of Santa Margarita
in the Church

Santa Margarita herself,according to the Roman Catholic priest of Es Castell, was born in Antioch in Syria, and a Christian from childhood. She was brought up by a pious nurse on stories of valiant martyrs and longed to be like them. Her father, however, was a priest of the pagan gods, and hated his daughter for her adherence to the Christian Faith.

When Margarita reached puberty, she caught the eye of the tyrannical ruler of Antioch, whose name was Olibrio. Margarita's stubborn refusal to return his love had the eventual effect of making Olibrio persecute her. With her father's consent, Olibrio subjected Margarita to appalling tortures, throughout all of which the young girl held fast to her faith and was supported by the voice of God. her steadfastness led to many onlookers being converted to Christ.

Eventually, Olibrio tired of his fruitless efforts to make Margarita plead for mercy. He had her beheaded, whilst the earth shook with a violent earthquake.

The feast of Santa Margarita, virgin and martyr, is celebrated on 20th July. The statue of our patron saint, which stands on the wall above the altar, has a dragon curled about its feet. It is believed that the devil unsuccessfully confronted Margarita in the guise of a dragon whilst she prayed to Our Lord during her torture and imprisonment.