St. Margaret of Castello

1287-1320

Feast day: April 13

Born near Florence, Italy, Margaret was blind and had dwarfism and a curved spine that made walking almost impossible. Her wealthy parents hid her from the public. Seeking a miracle, they took 15-year-old Margaret to a Franciscan shrine. When she wasn’t cured, they abandoned her, but members of the community took her in. She joined the Dominican Third Order of Castello and developed a deep prayer life, praying fervently to Jesus, Mary, Joseph and St. Dominic. 

Despite her suffering, Margaret remained calm, cheerful and courageous. She visited prisoners, helped the sick and comforted the dying. 

Canonized by Pope Francis on April 24, 2021, she is the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Seattle’s Inclusion Ministry.

Source: St. Margaret of Castello Guild