Episode 1135: St Margaret of Costello

St. Margaret of Castello was born in 1287 in Metola, Italy. She was born blind, hunchbacked, and of short stature. Her parents, wealthy nobles, were embarrassed by her disabilities and initially kept her hidden from the public eye. Margaret's parents sought a cure for her disabilities through various means, including pilgrimages and prayers, but none were successful.

At the age of six, Margaret was entrusted to the care of the Dominican Sisters of Castello in Castello, near Metola. Despite her disabilities, Margaret grew in holiness and demonstrated a profound faith from a young age. She embraced a life of prayer, penance, and service to others.

Margaret's piety and devotion to God inspired those around her, and she became known for her humility, patience, and charity towards others. She also had a special love for the Eucharist and spent much time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

Despite her physical limitations, Margaret was known to perform miracles, including healing the sick and comforting the afflicted through her prayers. She became a source of hope and inspiration for many who came to know her.

Margaret's life was marked by suffering, but she accepted her disabilities with grace and offered her sufferings to God for the salvation of souls. She found joy in her relationship with God and in serving others, even in the midst of her own challenges.

Margaret died on April 13, 1320, at the age of 33. After her death, her reputation for holiness continued to grow, and numerous miracles were attributed to her intercession. She was beatified by Pope Pius VII in 1609 and canonized by Pope Benedict XIII in 1728.

St. Margaret of Castello is venerated as the patron saint of the poor, disabled, and unwanted. Her life serves as a reminder of the beauty of holiness and the power of God's grace to transform even the most challenging circumstances.