Saint Margaret of Castello

Biography

Saint Margaret of Castello, also known as Margaret of Citta-di-Castello and Margaret of Metola, was born in 1287 in Mercatello sul Metauro, in the region of Pesaro-Urbino, Italy. Despite being born blind, lame, deformed, and a hunchbacked midget, Margaret's spirit and faith were unwavering. At the age of six, Margaret's noble parents made the decision to wall her up beside a chapel. This arrangement allowed her to attend Mass and receive the Sacraments, but she was unable to leave her confined space. This incredible act of isolation is often seen as a test of faith endured by Margaret, who endured her imprisonment for a staggering 14 years. Finally, after this prolonged period of seclusion, Margaret's parents decided to take her to a shrine in the hopes of finding a cure for her disabilities. Unfortunately, no miraculous cure occurred, and her parents, feeling defeated, decided to abandon her. Following her abandonment, Margaret chose to dedicate her life to God as a lay Dominican. She devoted her time to prayer and acts of charity, becoming an inspiration to all who encountered her. Her life was marked by a deep sense of humility, trust in God's plan, and unwavering faith, despite her physical challenges. When she died on April 13, 1320, in Città di Castello, Perugia, Italy, the townspeople came together in great numbers to mourn her passing. The overwhelming response from the community led them to demand that Margaret be buried in a tomb inside the church. The priest initially raised objections but relented when a crippled girl was miraculously cured during the funeral, signifying the powerful intercession and sanctity of Margaret's spirit. The incredible events surrounding her burial and the miracles attributed to her intercession led to her cause for beatification. Pope Paul V granted the concession of indult for Mass and Office on October 19, 1609. Centuries later, on April 24, 2021, Pope Francis declared her a saint through an equipollent canonization. Saint Margaret of Castello is venerated as the patron saint against impoverishment, poverty, disabled people, handicapped people, people rejected by religious orders, physically challenged people, and Right To Life groups. Her life and example continue to inspire and guide those facing physical challenges and difficulties, reminding them that true strength lies in faith and trust in God's plan. As a remarkable testament to her incorruptible body, Saint Margaret's legacy lives on, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their own crosses and find solace in the power of prayer and charity.