Saint Joseph of Cupertino is one of the most remarkable and beloved figures in Catholic history. Known as the “Flying Saint,” his life was marked by humility, simplicity, and extraordinary mystical gifts. Despite facing rejection, ridicule, and misunderstanding, Joseph became a model of patience, holiness, and unwavering trust in God. His story continues to inspire people today, reminding us that God often works most powerfully through those the world sees as weak.

Even though he wasn’t the brightest of Saints, through his trust in God he was able to do many things. He is known for his miraculous passing of exams, by asking God to help him.

Joseph’s Journey To a Friar

Joseph was born in Cupertino, a small village in the Kingdom of Naples, Italy. His parents were poor, and Joseph’s childhood was marked by hardship. His father died before he was born, leaving his mother to raise him in poverty. As a child, Joseph was often sickly, awkward, and struggled with learning. He was considered slow by his peers and even earned the nickname “the Gaper” because he would sometimes stand still, open-mouthed, lost in thought or prayer.

Though he lacked intellectual ability, Joseph had a deep love for God and a strong desire to live a holy life. From a young age, he spent long hours in prayer and displayed a remarkable simplicity of heart.

Joseph tried several times to join religious communities but was rejected because of his clumsiness and lack of education. Finally, in 1620, the Conventual Franciscans accepted him as a servant and stable hand. It seemed like the lowest place in the community, but Joseph embraced the work with joy and humility. His dedication impressed his superiors, and eventually he was admitted as a friar.

Joseph struggled mightily in his studies.. When preparing for the priesthood, he feared he could not pass the examinations. Tradition tells us that when he was asked a simple question about the Gospel, he answered with such sincerity and devotion that the examiner was moved to tears—and Joseph was ordained in 1628. His ordination was seen as a miracle of God’s providence.

What made Joseph of Cupertino most famous were the extraordinary mystical experiences he received. During prayer or at the sight of holy images, Joseph would often be lifted off the ground, entering into ecstasy. Many people witnessed him levitating, sometimes soaring high into the air before crowds, unable to come down until commanded in obedience.

These miraculous levitations brought him both fame and trials. While many saw him as a holy man, others mocked or doubted him. To avoid distraction, Church authorities restricted him, moving him from friary to friary and keeping him under close supervision. Through it all, Joseph accepted everything with patience, obedience, and joy.

A Life of Humility and Love

Despite his mystical gifts, Joseph never sought attention. He was known for his humility, kindness, and deep compassion for the poor and suffering. He lived simply, often fasting, and spent much of his time in prayer.

Joseph also had a childlike trust in God, often repeating, “I want only what God wants.” His holiness was not found in brilliance or power, but in his total surrender to God’s will.

He would often levitate when deep in prayer, and there are stories of him being able to appear in two places at once.

Death and Legacy

Saint Joseph of Cupertino died on September 18, 1663, in Osimo, Italy, at the age of 60. He was canonized a saint by Pope Clement XIII in 1767.

Today, he is honored as the patron saint of students, especially those facing difficult exams, because of his struggles with learning and the miracle of his ordination. He is also invoked by aviators and travelers because of his levitations and “flying” miracles.

Saint Joseph of Cupertino, pray for us!