Joseph of Cupertino – The Flying Saint

St. Joseph of Cupertino (1603-1663) was an Italian Catholic friar and mystic, who is best known for his levitations and ecstasies, and is honored as a saint by the Catholic Church. His feast day is celebrated on September 18th.

St. Joseph of Cupertino was born in the Kingdom of Naples, Italy. He was a gifted but uneducated child, who became interested in the religious life from a very young age. Despite his parents’ opposition, he entered the Conventual Franciscan friars in Osimo, in 1620.

Throughout his life, Joseph experienced many ecstasies and levitations, which were considered supernatural phenomena by many. He was said to be so absorbed in prayer that he would sometimes levitate, float, or fly.

These ecstasies were often so overwhelming that Joseph would lose consciousness, and would sometimes remain in ecstasy for hours. Joseph’s ability to levitate and his spiritual ecstasies were witnessed by many people and were considered by them as a sign of holiness.

Despite the skepticism of many, Joseph’s reputation for holiness spread and he became a popular figure among the people. Many came to him for spiritual guidance and healing. He was also able to perform many miracles, including healing the sick and bringing rain during a drought.

In 1657, Pope Alexander VII, authorized an investigation of the miracles attributed to Joseph of Cupertino and in 1664, the Pope declared him a Saint. He was canonized by Pope Clement X in 1671, and it is said that during the canonization ceremony, St. Joseph levitated for a quarter of an hour in front of the altar while Pope Clement X said the Te Deum hymn.

St. Joseph of Cupertino is known as the patron saint of air travelers and pilots, students, and those suffering from nervous disorders, he is also invoked for people who want to overcome a difficult test or examination.

Today, St. Joseph of Cupertino continues to be honored and venerated by many Catholics around the world, who turn to him for spiritual guidance and intercession. His devotion has continued to grow through the centuries, and his feast day is celebrated in many Catholic communities. His miracles and ecstasies continue to be a source of inspiration and wonder for many, and his life serves as an example of how deep devotion and faith can lead to a profound spiritual life. He is widely recognized as a Saint of humility, simplicity, and deep devotion to God, who constantly reminded us that the most important thing in life is to seek closeness with the divine.

The Life of St. Joseph of Cupertino

Saint Joseph of Cupertino is the patron saint of air travelers and pilots because he was able to levitate and fly. St. Joseph was born in Cupertino in the Kingdom of Naples in on June 17, 1603. He lived a humble childhood, being raised into a poor family with a widowed mother with a short temper. His mother often scolded him for his “airy” mindset. He often forgot to do what he was told and was known to wander aimlessly around town with his mouth wide open.

Saint Joseph strongly loved God and wished to live a life of religious devotion. After a variety of trails, he was finally accepted into the Franciscan Friars Minor Conventual to become a priest.

While saying mass, St. Joseph often levitated, rising in ecstatic prayer. The community also witness him flying around outside on a regular basis. This gift of levitation is often considered a sign of sanctity.

Living a life so different from others, St. Joseph of Cupertino often felt rejected. He often wore iron chains to keep himself planted on the ground. Later in his life, he was even hidden from the public, until he was later returned to a conventional community where he soon died. Saint Joseph of Cupertino died on September 18, which is now the feast day in which he is recognized for his miraculous gifts and love for God.

Reflection

St. Joseph can remind us of the extraordinary gifts God can bless us with. He is also an important reminder of the humility in our lives. Consider what deep reflection St. Joseph achieved each time he levitated. Have you taken enough time in your day to truly reflect on the ultimate love of God? Where can God’s love take you?

Prayer

Humble and extraordinary St. Joseph of Cupertino, who while on Earth obtained a gift from God like none other, grant me a humble heart as I seek to live an extraordinary life for Christ Jesus. I beseech your grace to help me imitate your life of prayer and devotion. I implore you to pray for me that I may receive the grace to calmly and thoughtfully take this examination and for these my intentions (mention your intentions here…).
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
St. Joseph of Cupertino, Pray for us.

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St. Joseph of Cupertino: Patron Saint of Flyers and Astronauts

St. Joseph of Cupertino is the patron saint of flyers and astronauts. This 17th century Italian Franciscan friar is known for his levitations, ecstasies, and mystical experiences. These supernatural events earned him the nickname “”The Flying Saint.””

The Catholic Church recognizes St. Joseph of Cupertino as the patron saint of flyers and astronauts because of his devotion to God and his reputation for levitation. His levitations were seen as a sign of his deep spiritual connection to God, and were often accompanied by ecstasies and mystical experiences. These supernatural events earned him a reputation as a holy man, and he became known as a powerful intercessor for those who sought his aid.

St. Joseph of Cupertino is revered by many as a symbol of hope and inspiration. For those who work in the aviation and space industries, he is seen as a powerful protector and a source of guidance. Many believe that invoking his intercession can bring safety and success to their endeavors, and that his spiritual guidance can help them overcome the challenges and dangers of their work.

For those who struggle with anxiety or who are prone to fear, St. Joseph of Cupertino is seen as a source of comfort and encouragement. He is remembered as a man who lived a life of deep devotion and trust in God, even in the face of great difficulty and uncertainty. Many who pray to him for support and strength find comfort in his example, and draw courage from his story.

Reflection on the feast day of St. Joseph of Cupertino

The feast day of St. Joseph of Cupertino is on September 18th.

On the feast day of St. Joseph of Cupertino, we celebrate the life and legacy of one of the great saints of the Church. St. Joseph of Cupertino was a 17th-century Italian Franciscan friar and mystic known for his devotion to God and for his ability to levitate during prayer. He is considered the patron saint of aviators, astronauts, and students.

St. Joseph of Cupertino’s devotion to God is an inspiration to all of us. He understood the importance of prayer and the need to be constantly in communion with God. He lived a life of humility and simplicity, dedicating himself fully to God. He was known for his ecstatic states of prayer, during which he would levitate and experience a deep union with God.

St. Joseph of Cupertino’s devotion to God reminds us of the importance of prayer and the need to constantly cultivate our relationship with God. He teaches us that true happiness and fulfillment come from a deep and personal relationship with God, rather than worldly pursuits. He reminds us that the ultimate goal of our lives is to be united with God and that prayer is the means to achieve this.

St. Joseph of Cupertino’s legacy also reminds us of the importance of perseverance and determination. Despite his lack of formal education, he dedicated himself to studying and learning, and eventually, he became a respected theologian. His example teaches us that with hard work and determination, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.

In conclusion, as we celebrate the feast day of St. Joseph of Cupertino, let us remember the example of this great saint and his devotion to God. May we strive to follow his example, to deepen our relationship with God through prayer and humility, and to persevere in our pursuit of knowledge and understanding.

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Prayers to St. Joseph of Cupertino

Prayer to St. Joseph of Cupertino

Dear St. Joseph of Cupertino,

You were a man of great humility and devotion, always seeking to please God and to do his will. I ask for your intercession as I seek to grow in my own faith and to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord.

May your example inspire me to be a person of deep devotion, unwavering faith, and sincere humility.

Amen.

Prayer to St. Joseph of Cupertino

St. Joseph of Cupertino,

You were a man of great simplicity and purity, always striving to live a life that was free from materialism and worldly concerns. Help me to follow your example, and to always focus on what truly matters in life.

May your devotion to God and your love for his people fill me with the peace and joy that come from living a life that is centered on him.

Amen.

Prayer to St. Joseph of Cupertino

O St. Joseph of Cupertino,

You were a man of great devotion and surrender, always willing to let go of your own wants and desires in order to do the will of the Lord. Help me to have the courage to surrender my own life to him, and to always trust in his plan for me.

May your faith and your love for God inspire me to live a life that is filled with peace, joy, and purpose.

Amen.

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