The Pearl of York

While visiting the city of York, England, we came across a street named The Shambles. This little street is one of the most well preserved medieval streets in Europe. The houses are uneven and unsymmetrical, which I thought gave the street its name. As it turns out the name Shambles is also used as a word for the benches that held the meat that was for sale. The occupants of the Shambles were mainly butchers and the townspeople would come to the area to buy their meat products. In center of this long street is the home of Margaret Clitherow. The home is now a shrine to Margaret’s faith. Margaret, known as the Pearl of York, married a wealthy butcher. Her husband was a chamberlain of the established church.

Three years after her marriage, she converted to the Catholic faith, during a time when practicing that faith was illegal. Margaret attended underground Masses and harbored priests. She often times was imprisoned for these actions. Her final punishment resulted in losing her life. She was laid on the ground with a sharp stone beneath her back. Then a door was placed on top of her and stones were placed on the door until she was crushed to death. Her last words were "Jesu! Jesu! Jesu! Have mercy on me!" !" A small plaque that tells Margaret's story is on the wall of this little house and encourages the reader to meditate on her life and what she gave up for her faith.

History is filled with people, such as Margaret & St. Stephen, stoned for being a believer in Christ, Acts 6:8-7:59 who have become martyrs for their faith. I look at these believers and wonder how I would respond to the choice of denying my faith or losing my life. Many of us will not have to make this decision , but sometimes God asks us to make other choices or sacrifices. What is God asking you and me to do or give up for our faith?