Holy Women's History Month: Saint Margaret of Castello

I encountered Saint Margaret of Castello by accident. While browsing the bookshelves at the Saint Vincent de Paul thrift store, I discovered a copy of her biography. My primary interest, of course, was that we bear the same first name. Even though the book was quite tattered and worn, I could not resist buying it. 

Once home, I slid it into my “books to read” shelf and there it sat for close to a year. It was not for lack of interest, but rather the fact that I’m in the habit of accumulating books that I barely have time to read. Some of them I may never read at all. My interest in Margaret of Castello’s biography was re-sparked when I saw an article online about her cause for canonization. I pulled the book off its shelf, opened it up and began reading. Once begun, I couldn’t stop because the story of “Little Margaret” as her followers affectionately call her was so compelling. 

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Living with a Joyful Heart

What I most admire about Saint Margaret is unflappable joy. Born with numerous physical disabilities, Margaret of Castello was locked away by her parents because they were ashamed of her. Eventually they ended up abandoning her on the streets of Castello, Italy. As young child, she was catechized by a compassionate monk who knew of her situation and later she became a lay Dominican.

What is most remarkable about this to me is that, despite her parents' abuse and abandonment, Margaret had an unwavering faith and ardent devotion to the Eucharist. Had I been in her place, it would’ve been very easy for me to complain and become bitter, but she did not. Instead, she saw every inconvenience, pain (and there was plenty for her) and hardship as a gift from God, offering of our Lord. What’s more, she did it with a joyful heart so much so, that she inspired others to be joyful in their trials as well. 

Saint Margaret Never Doubted God's Providence

Her troubles were many and yet she was never sad or tempted to self-pity. In fact, she constantly focused on the feelings and needs of others, reaching out to them in her sweet sincere way. She never resented her condition and never doubted God’s providence and her afflictions. That is simply remarkable! It makes me ashamed when I consider how easily I fall into grumbling and sometimes even irritation when I meet with a setback or burden. Instead of being thankful as Saint Margaret was, I become ungrateful and critical of God’s will for me. 

Over time, I have adopted the custom of calling out to Little Margaret at those moments when I am fed up with either physical, mental, spiritual, or emotional challenges. It’s never a long, elaborate prayer but rather a simple exclamation — a plea for help and intercession from this tiny little powerhouse of a saint who never let anything come between her and her Lord or get in the way of her complete joy. 

During Women's History Month, Catholic Mom writers are celebrating the women who have inspired their faith journeys — whether canonized saints, saints in progress, or beloved women from Scripture. Through personal reflections and heartfelt stories, they share how these holy women have touched their lives, offering wisdom, strength, and a deeper connection to God. Join us as we honor the spiritual legacy of these remarkable women and the lasting impact they continue to have on our hearts and souls. 

Copyright 2025 Marge Steinhage Fenelon
Images: Holy Cross Family Ministries