SAINT FEAST DAY 13 APRIL: SAINT MARGARET OF CASTELLO, VIRGIN

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN APRIL

Saints celebrated on the 13th of April

WELCOME!

SAINT MARGARET OF CASTELLO, VIRGIN 

Blessed* Margaret of Castello was born into a noble family at Metola Castle, Italy, in 1287. Blessed Margaret was born blind and with a curvature of her spine. She was four foot tall and had great difficulty walking. 

HER PARENTS HID HER BECAUSE SHE WAS DISABLED

Her parents were embarrassed at Blessed Margaret and hid her in the castle, not letting others see her. The parents eventually abandoned Blessed Margaret at the local church and a pious couple took her into their home. 

A PIOUS COUPLE TOOK HER INTO THEIR HOME

Blessed Margaret grew in faith and she confided to a priest that every time she attended Mass she saw Jesus on the altar. The priest suggested that perhaps it was that she was just sensing Jesus, but Blessed Margaret insisted that she saw Jesus. When asked by the priest to say what Jesus looked like, Blessed Margaret replied, "Oh Father, you are asking me to describe Infinite Beauty."

"INFINITE BEAUTY"

In 1303, Blessed Margaret got to know the Dominican Friars who had become established in the town. She came under their spiritual guidance and became a member of their Third Order of St Dominic. She wore the religious habit of the Order for the rest of her life. 

Blessed Margaret became ill in 1320 and in her final hours a procession of Dominican Friars arrived to give her the Last Rites and Blessed Margaret died on April 12 contemplating the Eucharist. She was beatified as Blessed by Pope Paul V in 1609.

Blessed Margaret was never bitter about her parent's decision to abandon her and could say about them, "If only you knew what I have in my heart."

Blessed Margaret of Castello, pray for us.

From: Spiritual Thought From Fr Chris

[*Margaret has since been canonised by Pope Francis]

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Blessed Margaret may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.