Saint Joseph of Cupertino – The Flying Friar
Feast Day: September 18 | Patronage: Students taking exams, air travelers, pilots, astronauts, those with learning challenges
Halo & Light Studios
9/18/20251 min read
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Fellow Pilgrims in Christ,
Have you ever wished you could just float above the stress of life—especially during a hard exam or a season of uncertainty? St. Joseph of Cupertino literally did. Born in 1603 in the small town of Copertino in southern Italy, Joseph grew up in deep poverty and struggled with learning disabilities that made him seem slow and clumsy. He failed at almost everything he tried—school, apprenticeships, even early attempts to join religious life.
Yet Joseph never gave up seeking God. He finally found a place among the Conventual Franciscans, first as a humble stable boy. His patience, humility, and constant prayer moved the friars so much that they allowed him to study for the priesthood. Even then, Joseph feared he would never pass the difficult oral exam required for ordination—yet through a remarkable providence, the bishop only asked him one question, the very Scripture verse Joseph knew by heart!
After ordination, Joseph became known for falling into deep ecstasies during Mass and prayer. Witnesses testified that he would sometimes lift off the ground, even soaring high into the air. These levitations drew crowds and even caused problems—his superiors had to keep him hidden so the spectacle wouldn’t disturb the community.
Joseph accepted these restrictions with joy, living a life of penance, fasting, and obedience. He became a living witness to what happens when the soul is completely surrendered to God—God lifts it up.
St. Joseph of Cupertino reminds us that holiness is not about natural brilliance or success but about humility, perseverance, and trust in God. He is especially beloved by students because he intercedes for those anxious about exams. His story is proof that God cares about every detail of our lives—even test questions!