Joseph of Cupertino
Humble friar with learning disabilities and documented levitation phenomena.
Patronage
Astronauts, aviators, pilots, students, people with learning difficulties, the mentally ill, those seeking divine grace
Virtues & Traits
Biography
Joseph of Cupertino (1603-1663) was an Italian Capuchin friar known for extraordinary mystical experiences and reputed miraculous levitations that occurred hundreds of times throughout his life, witnessed by numerous credible observers including cardinals and bishops. Despite severe learning difficulties and limited formal education, he demonstrated profound spiritual wisdom and was eventually ordained as a priest. His ecstatic states of prayer were so intense that he would levitate several feet above the ground, sometimes for extended periods. The Church investigated his phenomena extensively, and while remaining cautious, never condemned them as fraudulent. Joseph's life exemplified that spiritual sanctity transcends intellectual achievement. He faced considerable skepticism from ecclesiastical authorities but was eventually recognized for his genuine piety. His levitations became subjects of scientific curiosity centuries later, and his feast day celebrates mystical spirituality and the supernatural grace accessible to humble souls devoted to God.
Prayer
Prayer to St. Joseph of Cupertino
O glorious St. Joseph of Cupertino, thou who wast raised by God to the sublime heights of sanctity through humility and obedience, and wast honored with the miraculous gift of flight in ecstatic union with the Divine, we humbly beseech thee to intercede for us before the throne of Almighty God. Grant us the grace to grow in humility of heart, to seek union with God through prayer and virtue, and to overcome the obstacles that hinder our spiritual progress. Help us to imitate thy fervent love of Jesus and thy unwavering faith in Divine Providence. Through thy powerful intercession, obtain for us the graces we need for our salvation and sanctification. Amen.
Generated by Find My Saint for personal reflection. Not an official Church prayer.