Blessed Margaret of Castello
Memorial Day: April 13th
Blessed Margaret of Castello
Profile
Margaret was born blind into a poor, mountain family, who were embittered by her affliction. When she was five years old, they made a pilgrimage to the tomb of a holy Franciscan at Castello to pray for a cure. The miracle failing, they abandoned their daughter in the church of Cittŕ-di-Castello and returned to their home.
Margaret was passed from family to family until she was adopted by a kindly peasant woman named Grigia, who had a large family of her own. Margaret's natural sweetness and goodness soon made themselves felt, and she more than repaid the family for their kindness to her. She was an influence for good in any group of children. She stopped their quarrels, heard their catechism, told them stories, taught them Psalms and prayers. Busy neighbors were soon borrowing her to soothe a sick child or to establish peace in the house.
Her reputation for holiness was so great that a community of sisters in the town asked for her to become one of them. Margaret went happily to join them, but, unfortunately, there was little fervor in the house. The little girl who was so prayerful and penitential was a reproach to their lax lives, so Margaret returned to Grigia, who gladly welcomed her home.
Later, Margaret was received as a Dominican Tertiary and clothed with the religious habit. Grigia's home became the rendezvous site of troubled souls seeking Margaret's prayers. She said the Office of the Blessed Virgin and the entire Psalter by heart, and her prayers had the effect of restoring peace of mind to the troubled.
Denied earthly sight, Margaret was favored with heavenly visions. "Oh, if you only knew what I have in my heart!" she often said. The mysteries of the rosary, particularly the joyful mysteries, were so vivid to her that her whole person would light up when she described the scene. She was often in ecstasy, and, despite great joys and favors in prayer, she was often called upon to suffer desolation and interior trials of frightening sorts. The devil tormented her severely at times, but she triumphed over these sufferings.
A number of miracles were performed by Blessed Margaret. On one occasion, while she was praying in an upper room, Grigia's house caught fire, and she called to Margaret to come down. The blessed, however, called to her to throw her cloak on the flames. This she did, and the blaze died out. At another time, she cured a sister who was losing her eyesight.
Beloved by her adopted family and by her neighbors and friends, Margaret died at the early age of 33. From the time of her death, her tomb in the Dominican church was a place of pilgrimage. Her body, even to this day, is incorrupt. More than 200 miracles have been credited to her intercession after her death. She was beatified in 1609. Thus the daughter that nobody wanted is one of the glories of the Church
After her death, the fathers received permission to have her heart opened. In it were three pearls, having holy figures carved upon them. They recalled the saying so often on the lips of Margaret: "If you only knew what I have in my heart!" (Attwater2, Benedictines, Dorcy).
Born: in 1287 at Meldola, Vado, Italy
Died: April 13th, 1320 of Natural Causes (Her body is incorrupt)
Beatified: October 19th, 1609 by Pope Paul V
Patronage: Against poverty, disabled people, handicapped people, impoverishment, people rejected by religious orders, physically challenged people, poverty.
Commemorations/Prayers
First Vespers:
Ant. This is a wise Virgin whom the Lord found watching, who took her lamp and oil, and when the Lord came she entered with Him into the marriage feast. (P.T. Alleluia.)
V. Pray for us Blessed Margaret. (P.T. Alleluia.)
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. (P.T. Alleluia.)
Lauds:
Ant. Come, O my chosen one, and I will place my throne in thee, for the King hath exceedingly desired thy beauty. (P.T. Alleluia.)
V. Virgins shall be led to the King after her. (P.T. Alleluia.)
R. Her companions shall be presented to Thee. (P.T. Alleluia.)
Second Vespers:
Ant. She has girded her loins with courage and hath strengthened her arm; therefore shall her lamp not be put out forever. (P.T. Alleluia.)
V. Pray for us Blessed Margaret. (P.T. Alleluia.)
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. (P.T. Alleluia.)
Prayer:
Let us Pray: O God, who wast pleased that Blessed Margaret, Virgin, should be born blind, that, the eye of her heart being inwardly enlightened, she might continually contemplate Thee alone, be Thou the light of our eyes, that we may have no part in the darkness of this world, but be enabled to arrive at the land of eternal brightness Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer to Margaret of Castello
Compassionate God, you gave your divine light to Blessed Margaret who was blind from birth, that with the eye of her heart she might contemplate you alone. Be the light of our eyes that we may turn from what is evil and reach the home of never-ending light. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
- General Calendar of the Order of Preachers
Novena to the Blessed Margaret of Castello
First Day:
O Blessed Margaret of Castello, in embracing your life just as it was, you
gave us an example of resignation To the will of God. In so accepting
God’s will, you knew that you would grow in virtue, glorify God, save your own
soul, and help the souls of your neighbors. Obtain for me the grace to
recognize the will of God in all that may happen to me in my life and so
resign myself to it. Obtain for me also the special favor, which I now ask,
through your intercession with God.
Let us pray…
O God by whose will the blessed virgin, Margaret, was blind from birth, that
the eyes of her mind being inwardly enlightened she might think without
ceasing on You alone; be the light of our eyes, that we may be able to flee
the shadows in this world, and reach the home of never-ending light. We ask
this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph, glorify your servant Blessed Margaret, by granting the
favor we so ardently desire. This we ask in humble submission To God’s Will,
For His honor and glory and the salvation of souls.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Second Day:
O Blessed Margaret of Castello, in reflecting so deeply upon the sufferings
and death of our Crucified Lord, you learned courage and gained the grace to
bear your own afflictions. Obtain for me the grace and courage that I so
urgently need so as to be able to bear my infirmities and endure my
afflictions in union with our suffering Savior. Obtain for me also the special
favor which I now ask through your intercession with God.
Let us pray…
O God by whose will the blessed virgin, Margaret, was blind from birth, that
the eyes of her mind being inwardly enlightened she might think without
ceasing on You alone; be the light of our eyes, that we may be able to flee
the shadows in this world,
and reach the home of never-ending light. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph, glorify your servant Blessed Margaret, by granting the
favor we so ardently desire. this we ask in humble submission to God’s will,
for His honor and glory and the salvation of souls.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Third Day:
O Blessed Margaret of Castello, your love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
was intense and enduring. It was here in intimacy with the Divine Presence
that you found spiritual strength to accept suffering, to be cheerful,
patient, and kindly towards others. Obtain for me the grace that I may draw
from this same source, as from an exhaustible font, the strength whereby I may
be kind and understanding of everyone despite whatever pain or discomfort may
come my way. Obtain for this through your intercession with God.
Let us pray…
O God by whose will the blessed virgin, Margaret, was blind from birth, that
the eyes of her mind being inwardly enlightened she might think without
ceasing on You alone; be the light of our eyes, that we may be able to flee
the shadows in this world,
and reach the home of never-ending light. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph, glorify your servant Blessed Margaret, by granting the
favor we so ardently desire. this we ask in humble submission to God’s will,
for His honor and glory and the salvation of souls.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Fourth Day:
O Blessed Margaret of Castello, you unceasingly turned to God in prayer with
confidence and trust in His fatherly love. It was only through continual
prayer that you were enabled to accept your misfortunes, to be serene,
patient, and at peace. Obtain for me the grace to persevere in my prayer,
confident that God will give me the help to carry whatever cross comes into my
life. Obtain for me also the special favor which I now ask through your
intercession with God.
Let us pray…
O God by whose will the blessed virgin, Margaret, was blind from birth, that
the eyes of her mind being inwardly enlightened she might think without
ceasing on You alone; be the light of our eyes, that we may be able to flee
the shadows in this world,
and reach the home of never-ending light. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph, glorify your servant Blessed Margaret, by granting the
favor we so ardently desire. this we ask in humble submission to God’s will,
for His honor and glory and the salvation of souls.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Fifth Day:
O Blessed Margaret of Castello, in imitation of the Child Jesus, who was
subject to Mary and Joseph, you obeyed your father and mother, overlooking
their unnatural harshness. Obtain for me that same attitude of obedience
toward all those who have legitimate authority over me, most especially toward
the Holy Roman Catholic Church. Obtain for me also the special favor which I
now ask through your intercession with God.
Let us pray…
O God by whose will the blessed virgin, Margaret, was blind from birth, that
the eyes of her mind being inwardly enlightened she might think without
ceasing on You alone; be the light of our eyes, that we may be able to flee
the shadows in this world,
and reach the home of never-ending light. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph, glorify your servant Blessed Margaret, by granting the
favor we so ardently desire. this we ask in humble submission to God’s will,
for His honor and glory and the salvation of souls.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Sixth Day:
O Blessed Margaret of Castello, your miseries taught you better than any
teacher the weakness and frailty of human nature.
Obtain for me the grace to recognize my human limitations and to acknowledge
my utter dependence upon God. Acquire for me that abandonment which leaves me
completely at the mercy of God. Obtain for me also the special favor which I
now ask through your intercession with God.
Let us pray…
O God by whose will the blessed virgin, Margaret, was blind from birth, that
the eyes of her mind being inwardly enlightened she might think without
ceasing on You alone; be the light of our eyes, that we may be able to flee
the shadows in this world,
and reach the home of never-ending light. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph, glorify your servant Blessed Margaret, by granting the
favor we so ardently desire. this we ask in humble submission to God’s will,
for His honor and glory and the salvation of souls.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Seventh Day:
O Blessed Margaret of Castello, you could have so easily become discouraged
and bitter; but, instead, you fixed your eyes
on the suffering Christ and there you learned from Him the redemptive value of
suffering . How to offer your pains and aches,
in reparation for sin and for the salvation of souls. Obtain for me the grace
to learn how to endure my sufferings with patience. Obtain for me also the
special favor which I now ask through your intercession with God.
Let us pray…
O God by whose will the blessed virgin, Margaret, was blind from birth, that
the eyes of her mind being inwardly enlightened she might think without
ceasing on You alone; be the light of our eyes, that we may be able to flee
the shadows in this world,
and reach the home of never-ending light. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph, glorify your servant Blessed Margaret, by granting the
favor we so ardently desire. this we ask in humble submission to God’s will,
for His honor and glory and the salvation of souls.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Eigth Day:
O Blessed Margaret of Castello, how it must have hurt when your parents
abandoned you! Yet you learned from this that all earthly love and affection,
even for those who are closest, must be sanctified. And so, despite
everything, you continued to love your parents – but now you loved them in
God. Obtain for me the grace that I might see all my human loves and
affections in their proper perspective… in God and for God. Obtain for me also
the special favor which I now ask through your intercession with God.
Let us pray…
O God by whose will the blessed virgin, Margaret, was blind from birth, that
the eyes of her mind being inwardly enlightened she might think without
ceasing on You alone; be the light of our eyes, that we may be able to flee
the shadows in this world,
and reach the home of never-ending light. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph, glorify your servant Blessed Margaret, by granting the
favor we so ardently desire. this we ask in humble submission to God’s will,
for His honor and glory and the salvation of souls.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Ninth Day:
O Blessed Margaret of Castello, through your suffering and misfortune, you
became sensitive to the sufferings of others.
Your heart reached out to everyone in trouble – the sick, the hungry, the
dying prisoners. Obtain for me the grace
to recognize Jesus in everyone with whom I come into contact, especially in
the poor, the wretched, the unwanted!
Obtain for me also the special favor which I now ask through your intercession
with God.
Let us pray…
O God by whose will the blessed virgin, Margaret, was blind from birth, that
the eyes of her mind being inwardly enlightened she might think without
ceasing on You alone; be the light of our eyes, that we may be able to flee
the shadows in this world,
and reach the home of never-ending light. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph, glorify your servant Blessed Margaret, by granting the
favor we so ardently desire. this we ask in humble submission to God’s will,
for His honor and glory and the salvation of souls.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Prayer
O my God, I thank you for having given Blessed Margaret of Castello to the
world as an example of the degree of holiness that can be attained by anyone
who truly loves you, regardless of physical abnormalities. In today’s
perverted culture, Margaret would have, most likely, never been born; death
through abortion being preferable to life, especially life in an ugly
distorted twisted body. But Your ways are not the world’s ways… And so it was
Your Will that Margaret would be born into the world with just such a
malformed body. It is Your way that uses our weakness to give testimony to
Your power. Margaret was born blind, so as to see You more clearly; a cripple,
so as to lean on You completely; dwarfed in physical posture, so as to become
a giant in the spiritual order; hunch-backed, so as to more perfectly resemble
the twisted, crucified body of Your Son. Margaret’s whole life was an
enactment of the words expressed by Paul: “So I shall be very happy to make my
weaknesses my special boast so that the power of Christ may stay over me and
that is why I am content with my weaknesses, and with insults, hardships,
persecutions and the agonies I go through for Christ’s sake. For it is when I
am weak that I am strong.” (2 Cor 12:10). I beseech you, O God, to grant
through the intercession Of Blessed Margaret of Castello, that all the
handicapped … and who among us is not?… all rejected, all unwanted of the
world may make their weaknesses their own special boast so that your power may
stay over them now and forever. Amen.
Blessed Margaret of Castello, pray for us.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Our Father…
Hail Mary…