Saint Casilda of Toledo
Castille, Casilde or Casilda of Toledo, a young Muslim, converted to Christianity after a miraculous healing. Very dedicated to others, attentive to human distress, and displaying great piety, Saint Castille is an example of holiness. She is celebrated on April 9th and is particularly venerated in Briviesca, where a pilgrimage was held in her honor.
Life of Saint Casilda of Toledo
Sainte Castille, originally from Spain, was born in the 11th century (perhaps around 1007). She was the daughter of the emir of Toledo, at that time the religious capital of Islamic Spain. Despite her Muslim education, Castille regularly visited Christian prisoners, unbeknownst to her father. She showed great care for the persecuted and tried to provide them with care and comfort. She returned from each visit a little more attracted to Christianity. Like Saint Elisabeth of Hungary, there is mention of a "miracle of the roses":
When she visited the sick, her apron filled with bread, Saint Castille was surprised by her father who, guessing where she was going, reprimanded her. However, when the young woman opened her apron, no bread, only a large bouquet of roses. Unfortunately, Saint Castille eventually fell ill, with an illness (some sources mention a flow of blood) that no doctor could cure. One of the prisoners, whom Saint Castille visited, advised her to pray to Saint Vincent and to bathe in the lake of Saint-Vincent-de-Buezo (near Burgos). The following night, the young woman saw in a dream Saint Vincent promising to heal her if she went there. Despite deep reluctance, the king, her father, granted her permission to go to Christian land. Immediately healed by the waters of the lake, Castille requestedbaptism, also desiring to be healed of her sins. After her conversion, she settled in a small house near the sanctuary of Saint Vincent where she lived as a hermit, in prayer and contemplation, until her death, on April 9, 1120. The following year, miracles occurred at her tomb (located in the church of Saint Vincent). It was in the 15th century that Castille was canonized.
Prayer to Saint Casilda for healing
Hear us, O God who are our salvation, so that by confidently recommending ourselves, as we do, to the merits and prayers of Saint Casilda (or Castile), we may obtain perfect healing and consolation in all our sorrows. We pray to you through Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Saint Casilda, whose protection is felt by those who suffer from blood loss, pray for us who implore you with confidence.
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