St. Joseph of Cupertino
St. Joseph of Cupertino
Saint Joseph of Cupertino – The Flying Saint
When they lived:
Saint Joseph of Cupertino, also known as the Flying Saint, lived during the 17th century. He was born on June 17, 1603, and passed away on September 18, 1663.
Where they lived:
Saint Joseph of Cupertino lived in the small town of Cupertino, located in the Kingdom of Naples, which is present-day Italy.
Notable world events during the time of their life:
- The Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648): This devastating conflict, spanning across Europe, had far-reaching consequences for various countries and regions. It significantly impacted the political landscape, religion, and economies of nations involved, leaving a lasting impact on history.
- The Age of Enlightenment (17th-18th centuries): A period of intellectual and cultural growth, the Age of Enlightenment brought forth groundbreaking scientific discoveries and philosophical ideas. Thinkers like Isaac Newton, Galileo Galilei, and René Descartes shaped the way people understood the world and challenged conventional beliefs.
- The Great Fire of London (1666): In September 1666, a devastating fire consumed much of London, destroying thousands of homes and landmarks. The rebuilding efforts that followed led to the city’s transformation and architectural advancements.
- The Salem Witch Trials (1692): Although slightly after Saint Joseph’s time, this event is noteworthy for its impact on colonial America. The infamous witch trials in Massachusetts led to the execution of several accused individuals and sparked discussions about superstition, mass hysteria, and the importance of justice.
Their patronage:
Saint Joseph of Cupertino is known as the patron saint of aviators, astronauts, and all those who seek divine intervention in their studies, especially during examinations. He is also revered as the patron of students with learning disabilities.
The Innocent Joseph
Joseph was born on June 17, 1603, at Cupertino, in the diocese of Nardo, Kingdom of Naples. Joseph’s father died before he was born. He spent his childhood and adolescence in simplicity and innocence. At a young age,Joseph had experiences of the divine, even in the smallest things like the anointing of Christ, a simple prayer, or the sound of church bells.
It is said that Joseph’s mother considered him annoying and treated him harshly. Joseph appeared to be a slow learner and absent-minded. He was said to frequently wander aimlessly while his mouth was open. He also had a bad temper. He tried to learn shoemaking but failed.
Joseph wanted to join the Franciscans. However, they initially would not accept him. Finally, he was admitted by the Capuchins. Over a very short period of time, however, he was sent away. Accounts say that this happened because Joseph could not seem to do anything correctly.
His mother was not at all pleased to have her eighteen-year-old son back home again. He dropped piles of dishes and kept forgetting to do what he was told. So, his mother finally got him accepted as a servant at the Franciscan monastery. He was given the habit and put to manual labor, taking care of the stables and horses.
Joseph Flew… Wait, What?!
About that time, Joseph began to change. He grew in gentleness and humility. He was more careful in his work. He spent more time in prayer and performed voluntary mortification. At last, he was able to enter the Franciscan order and, surprisingly, study for the priesthood. Despite his goodness and holiness as a friar, he had a very difficult time with his studies. However, during his examinations, the examiner happened to ask Joseph to explain the only thing he knew well. Joseph was able to answer, and so he was ordained a deacon and later a priest! His profound life of devotion led Joseph to the kind of holiness that is strengthened by humility, voluntary mortification, and obedience. He was deeply devoted to the Blessed Mother and admonished all people to do the same.
After his ordination, many amazing miracles were brought out through Joseph. People say they saw him rise from the ground while offering Massor while he was praying! The mere mention of God or a spiritual matter was enough to take him out of his senses. At Mass, he is said to have frequently levitated in rapture. Once, as Christmas carols were being sung, he soared to the high altar and kneeled in the air in ecstatic prayer. He was also seen in deep ecstasy several times. The people flocked to him in droves, seeking help and advice in the confessional, and he assisted many in living a truly devout Christian life.
Because of his growing popularity with the public, Joseph was kept hidden. In spite of this, Joseph was still very happy for the opportunity to be alone with God. He died on September 18, 1663. Pope Clement XIII canonized him in 1767. His feast day is September 18.
Five Interesting Facts About St. Joseph of Cupertino
- St. Joseph of Cupertino is the patron saint of air travelers and pilots.
and learning disabilities. - When his husband died, St. Joseph’s mother, who was pregnant that
time, was unable to pay the debts. So, the creditors evicted her from
her home. Having nowhere to stay, she gave birth to Joseph in a stable.
at Cupertino, Italy. - Because of his gaping mouth whenever he experienced ecstasy, St.
Joseph of Cupertino earned the nickname “Bocca Aperta,” which means “Open.”
Mouth”. - One of St. Joseph of Cupertino’s most famous levitations was in
front of Pope Urban VIII. When he bent down to kiss the Pope’s ring, he
flew into the air, almost thirty feet high, in front of everyone. He
could not get down until his superior asked him to. - One day, some men were laboring to put a huge stone cross in
socket. Suddenly, St. Joseph rose above them, took up the cross, and
placed it in the socket for them.
Prayer to St. Joseph of Cupertino
O God, You ordained that Your only-begotten Son should be lifted up above the earth and draw all things to Himself; mercifully grant that, through the merits and example of Your seraphic confessor Joseph, we may be lifted up above all earthly desires and be found worthy to come to Him, who, being God, lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.
