Margaret of Cortona was a 13th-century Italian penitent belonging to the Third Order of Saint Francis. Born in Laviano, she lived a life of significant transformation after a period of youthful rebellion and living as a mistress to a local knight. Following the discovery of the knight's murder, she dedicated herself to intense prayer and penance. She eventually settled in Cortona, where she served the poor and sick, established a hospital, and founded a congregation of sisters. She was canonized in 1728 and is recognized as a saint in both Catholic and Anglican traditions.