Saint Joseph of Cupertino

Biography

Saint Joseph of Cupertino, also known as Giuseppe da Copertino, Joseph Desa, Joseph of Copertino, the Flying Friar, and the Gaper, was born on June 17, 1603, in Cupertino, in the kingdom of Naples, Italy. His father, Felice Desa, was a poor carpenter who passed away before Joseph's birth. Sadly, creditors forced his mother, Francesca Panara, out of their home, and Joseph was born in a stable. From a young age, Joseph began experiencing ecstatic visions that would leave him gaping and staring into space. Despite his extraordinary spiritual encounters, he also possessed a hot temper, which his strict mother worked tirelessly to help him overcome. At the age of eight, Joseph started receiving these visions that were triggered by different stimuli like church bells, music, and even specific events related to Christ and the saints. As Joseph grew older, he was apprenticed to a shoemaker. However, his desire to embrace a religious life led him to apply for admission to the Friars Minor Conventuals at the age of 17. Unfortunately, he was turned away because of his lack of education. Undeterred, he then applied to the Capuchins and was accepted as a lay-brother in 1620. However, his frequent ecstasies made him unsuitable for work, and he was eventually dismissed. Despite facing rejection, Joseph persevered in his prayers. Eventually, he was accepted as an oblate at the Franciscan convent near Cupertino. His virtuous character and devotion to the faith led him to become a cleric at the young age of 22. Just three years later, at 25, he was ordained as a priest. Although Joseph had limited literary skills, he possessed an incredible gift of spiritual knowledge and discernment that allowed him to unravel intricate theological questions. Joseph's life became a series of remarkable visions and ecstasies. The triggering factors could be anything related to his faith, such as the sound of a church bell, music, or even the mention of God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or a saint. Nothing could bring him out of these trances except the voice of his superior in the order. During his ecstasies, he would often levitate and float, which is why he became the patron saint of people involved in air travel. Even in the 17th century, Joseph's ecstatic experiences in public stirred both admiration and disturbance within the community. This led to strict regulations imposed on him for 35 years. He was prohibited from attending choir, going to the common refectory, participating in processions, or saying Mass in the church. In order to prevent making a spectacle out of his ecstasies, Joseph was confined to his room, which included a private chapel. As time went on, Joseph was brought before the Inquisition and was continuously moved between various Capuchin and Franciscan houses. However, despite facing these challenges, he remained joyful and submitted himself to Divine Providence. He never allowed his faith to be shaken and continued to observe seven Lents of 40 days each year. Saint Joseph of Cupertino passed away on September 18, 1663, in Ossimo, Italy, from a severe and rapidly developed fever. He was laid to rest in the Crypt of the Sanctuary in the Church of Saint Francis in Ossimo. Recognizing his extraordinary holiness and spiritual gifts, Pope Benedict XIV beatified Joseph on February 24, 1753. Later, on July 16, 1767, Pope Clement XIII canonized him as a saint. Saint Joseph of Cupertino is revered as the patron saint of air crews, Air Forces, air travelers, aircraft pilots, astronauts, aviators, flyers, paratroopers, students, and test takers. He is also recognized as the patron saint of Cupertino, Italy, and Ossimo, Italy. His life serves as a testament to the power of faith and the extraordinary ways in which God can work through humble and unlikely individuals.