Margaret of Castello

Life Margaret of Castello was born in Perugia in 1287 to the nobles Parisio and Emilia in the Metola Castle near Mercatello sul Metauro. Her father served at the garrison at the castle.

Margaret was born blind with a severe curvature of the spine and had difficulties walking; she was also growth-restricted. Though her parents were embarrassed and hid her from all, a kind maid found her and gave her the name Margaret (derived from the Greek word "margaron", meaning "pearl").

Margaret died on 12 April 1320, and the crowds at her funeral demanded that she be buried inside the church against the resistance of the parish priest. But after a disabled girl was cured at the funeral, he allowed for Margaret's burial inside.