Mental Health Benefits of Christian Fortitude

St. Margaret Clitherow, our parish patron saint, shows us that true faith is more than words—it is lived courageously every day. Amos warns against religious rituals without justice, and Psalm 113 reminds us that God lifts the lowly. Margaret embodied both: she used her home to shelter priests, resisted unjust laws, and served the spiritually poor, trusting in God rather than human approval. Her integrity and hope guided every action, showing that fortitude unites knowing what is right with the courage to act on it (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1808). 

Christian Fortitude for All Ages • For children: Fortitude is like a muscle in your heart. It helps you do what is right, even when it’s hard or scary—like telling the truth or being kind when others are unkind .• For adults: Fortitude is the moral strength to stand firm in faith, act justly, and persevere through life’s challenges. 

St. Margaret Clitherow’s Example • Endurance: She sheltered priests for years despite constant danger. • Defiance: She resisted unjust laws courageously. • Sacrifice: She accepted death rather than betray her faith. • Joy: She called her execution her “wedding day” with Christ.Her fortitude was steady, lifelong, and sustained by integrity and hope. 

Mental Health Benefits of Christian Fortitude Living with Christian fortitude strengthens the whole person: • Builds resilience to stress and adversity. • Protects against hopelessness and depression. • Reduces anxiety by facing fears.

• Encourages emotional balance and wise responses. • Deepens self-respect and self-esteem. • Fuels hope and optimism, even in trials. • Empowers us to overcome challenges and silence self-doubt. • Strengthens relationships through trust and integrity. • Creates long-term inner stability and peace. 

May St. Margaret Clitherow’s witness inspire us to live with courage, integrity, and hope—so that, like her, we grow in strength of heart and spirit, and face life’s challenges with steadfast faith. 

A Classroom Story of Fortitude

At lunch, Anna noticed a new student, Maria, sitting alone while others whispered and laughed at her. Anna felt nervous—what if she was teased too? Then she remembered: “Fortitude is having the strength to do what is right, even when it’s hard.”

Taking a deep breath, Anna sat with Maria and smiled. Some kids laughed, but Anna kept showing kindness every day. Gradually, others followed her example, and Maria was included.

Fortitude isn’t just one brave moment—it’s the courage to do what is right, day after day. 

“A diamond cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.”– Chinese Proverb Reflection on St Margaret Clitherow and the virtue of fortitude

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)