Your Faith Journey with EWTN
As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
1287 – April 13, 1320
Patron Saint of disabled people, blind people
St. Margaret of Castello is a powerful witness to the dignity of every human life, especially those who are marginalized or rejected.
Born in 13th-century Italy to noble parents, Margaret came into the world with severe physical disabilities. She was blind, had facial birth defects, a pronounced curvature of the spine, and uneven legs that caused her to limp. Viewing her condition as a source of embarrassment, her parents concealed her from society, raising her in near-total isolation within a walled-off room.
For years, Margaret lived hidden away, deprived of normal human interaction. Yet in this solitude, she developed a deep relationship with God through prayer. When she was about 16 years old, her parents brought her to a Franciscan shrine in Castello, hoping for a miraculous cure. When no healing occurred, they abandoned her there, leaving her alone and destitute.
The townspeople of Castello took pity on her and provided for her basic needs. In time, she became known for her holiness, kindness, and joyful spirit. She joined the Dominican Third Order and began teaching the Faith to the children and townspeople. Later, she began providing spiritual counseling and performing charitable works.
Margaret was known for her profound joy, kindness, and lack of bitterness. She provided spiritual counseling for prisoners and comforted the sick and dying. Though she suffered greatly throughout her life, she radiated peace and trust in God’s Providence.
St. Margaret died on April 13, 1320. After her death, many miracles were attributed to her intercession, and devotion to her grew steadily. Canonized in 2021, she remains a patron for those rejected or abandoned, reminding the world that every life has immeasurable value in God’s eyes.
The Dominican Third Order is a branch of the Dominican family for laypeople who wish to live according to the spirituality of St. Dominic while remaining in the world. As a tertiary, Margaret followed a rule of life centered on prayer, penance, and charity, dedicating her life to a robust ministry of charitable works, education, and spiritual service. Abandoned by her parents at age 16, she was cared for by the poor of Castello and spent the rest of her 33 years serving the community. Margaret’s work was focused on the most marginalized members of society: She visited local prisoners, bringing them food, clothing, and medicine. She was known to wash the sores caused by their chains. She spent many nights comforting the dying and assisting the sick. Margaret cared for the townspeople’s children while their parents were at work. She established a school to catechize children, teaching them about their faith and duty to God and neighbor. Margaret didn’t allow her limitations to define her worth; she embraced her identity as a beloved child of God. She offers hope and encouragement to those who experience similar struggles today.
Many people reported being cured of their illnesses through Margaret’s touch or intercession while she was still alive. She is credited with healing the sick through the touch of her hand, including curing a woman with a tumor in her eye. After her death, many miracles were reported through St. Margaret’s intercession, contributing to her lasting reputation for holiness. One of the earliest signs of her sanctity occurred at her funeral, when the townspeople insisted on honoring her as a saint. Reports of healings and other favors spread, particularly among those who sought her help in times of suffering or abandonment. These accounts strengthened devotion to her over the centuries and contributed to the Church’s eventual recognition of her sanctity. More than 200 miracles, including healings, were reported at her tomb. After her death, her body remained incorrupt.
Margaret maintained an intense prayer life, including reciting the entire Psalter by heart daily. She was known for her intense mystical experiences and profound joy during prayer. On at least one occasion, she was reportedly seen levitating during an ecstatic state. She had experienced the gifts of deep mysticism, healing, and visions. Despite being blind from birth, Margaret was favored with spiritual sight, experiencing vivid heavenly visions, particularly regarding the mysteries of the Rosary.
This eBook combines stunning photography from EWTN’s Vatican Bureau along with Bible passages and saints’ quotes that will calm your heart, give you hope, and remind you that God is with us always. Simply fill out the form below and we will send this to you!
Few have faced the trials of St. Margaret of Castello, including blindness, physical disabilities, and abandonment by her parents. But she overcame it all to minister to the sick and dying as a Third Order Dominican.
Be inspired to follow in the footsteps of the saints. Subscribe to receive the Daily Saint, featuring a brief biography delivered to your inbox each day.
Start now and let the intercession and witness of the saints draw you closer to God.
As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
STEP 1
We’re here to serve you. Let us help you complete your gift with confidence.
Send a message to Mission Advancement.
Guidance for DAFs, stock, IRA, and more.
Manage your gifts and preferences.
