St. Margaret of Castello Novena

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St. Margaret of Castello Novena

Have you ever felt rejected? St. Margaret of Castello was rejected, misunderstood, and held in contempt for many reasons. She even suffered, spending fourteen years isolated in one room at the order of her parents and was eventually abandoned by them in an unfamiliar town. Through her suffering and infirmities, she came to have a resilient faith and lived a life of deep contemplation.

About St. Margaret of Castello

Margaret was born in Metola, Italy in 1287 to powerful noble parents Parisio and Lady Emilia. It was evident from birth that Margaret had physical disabilities, would be of short stature, was blind and had a curvature of the spine known as Kyphosis - more commonly known during her lifetime as a hunchback.

Her parents sought to protect their reputation and appearance by keeping Margaret a secret within the walls of the castle. They not only kept her a secret, but also didn’t show her any love.

One day a guest met Margaret in the hallway of their castle. Shortly after Margaret’s parents had a small room built for her to be confined to for the next fourteen years, so no guests would stumble upon her.

The cell-like room was built adjacent to the chapel. It was a short distance from the castle where she could still hear the Mass being said and receive communion.

She had very few visitors, but the priest of the chapel saw her great intelligence and taught her the basics of the faith. He soon saw that she had an incredible capacity for the faith-life.

Her father’s land came under threat and soon Margaret’s parents sought a new solution to their daughters disabilities. They heard of miracles occurring frequently at a shrine nearby so they sought a cure while there was still peace.

They made a pilgrimage to Citta di Castello, Italy and when a cure was not found, Margaret was abandoned. This was particularly hard for Margaret since she could not see and wasn’t familiar with the streets of the town. But, she was consoled by the fact that Jesus too was abandoned and this was yet another way in which she could be closer to her Savior.

She soon found refuge among the poorest in the city who took turns housing her as long as they had the means. Everyone began to recognize that there was something extraordinary about Margaret. She maintained a cheerfulness and hope despite her hardships.

She lived with religious sisters but their worldliness, which was a common problem of that time, did not sit well with Margaret who hoped to live according to the rule of the order. She soon found herself without a home, since her devoutness caused discord amongst the religious sisters.

St. Margaret remained charitable towards the sisters and soon found a home with a wealthy family. She became a member of the Third Order of St. Dominic, also known as Lay Dominicans. This Order is for those wishing to live according to the spirituality of St. Dominic while living a life in the world.

She lived a life comforting those suffering. She is especially known for visiting and sharing the faith with prisoners living in atrocious conditions. She died at the age of 33 and the citizens demanded that she be buried in the church, which was unusual at the time.

St. Margaret of Castello’s Feast Day: April 13

Why Pray the St. Margaret of Castello Novena?

St. Margaret of Castello had a simple faith that sought to unite her pain to Christ’s suffering in all circumstance. She is the patron of pro-life causes, people with disabilities, and is a model of trusting God in all circumstances. Continue praying this novena to find out more about her life and to ask for her powerful intercession!

You can pray the St. Margaret of Castello Novena for any intention!