Margaret of Castello (c. 1245 – 1310) was an Italian laywoman of the Third Order of Saint Francis, venerated in the Roman Catholic Church as a saint. She is remembered for her piety and perseverance despite severe physical disabilities, including blindness and a spinal deformity. Her feast day is celebrated on 22 July.
Early life
Margaret was born in Castello di Monferrato, a town in the Piedmont region of north‑western Italy, into a noble family. Contemporary accounts describe her as being born with a severe spinal curvature (scoliosis) and congenital blindness. Because of her physical condition, she was abandoned by her parents and left in the care of the local poorhouse.
Religious life
Margaret entered the care of the Franciscan friars, who recognized her devout character. She joined the Third Order of Saint Francis, a lay branch of the Franciscan movement, and lived a life of prayer, penitence, and service to the poor. Despite her disabilities, she was noted for performing manual tasks, such as weaving and embroidery, to support herself and the community.
Death and veneration
Margaret died in 1310, reputedly after a life marked by humility and charitable works. Her reputation for holiness spread locally, and she became a figure of popular devotion. In 1728, Pope Benedict XIII formally canonized Margaret of Castello, confirming her status as a saint in the universal Church. She is invoked as a patron of those with physical disabilities and of the blind.
Legacy
Margaret’s life is commemorated in various churches and religious institutions in Italy, particularly in the Piedmont region. Her story has been cited in hagiographical literature as an example of steadfast faith in the face of suffering. Her feast day, 22 July, is observed with liturgical celebrations in communities that hold her in particular regard.
