Early Life
Saint Joseph was born on June 17, 1603, in the small town of Cupertino in the Kingdom of Naples. His father died before his birth, leaving the family destitute. From his earliest years, Joseph was marked by trials: poor health, constant absent-mindedness, and an awkward manner that earned him the ridicule of neighbors. His temperament was simple and guileless, yet he endured harsh words from his mother and severe misunderstandings from those around him.
Despite these hardships, Joseph showed an extraordinary patience, humility, and resignation to God’s will. These hidden virtues prepared him for the greater graces the Lord would bestow.
Entrance into Religious Life
Joseph first sought entrance among the Capuchins but was dismissed due to his clumsiness and absent-mindedness. At length, through God’s providence, he was received among the Conventual Franciscans, though even there his lack of learning and awkwardness almost barred him from advancement. By divine assistance, however, he was miraculously able to pass examinations for the priesthood, answering only the very questions he knew, while the examiners ignored all the others. Thus was he ordained a priest, a living testimony that God chooses “the weak things of the world to confound the strong” (cf. 1 Cor. 1:27).
Mystical Gifts
From his priestly ordination onward, Joseph’s life was marked by extraordinary mystical phenomena. Chief among these were his ecstasies and levitations. At the mere mention of God, the Blessed Virgin, or the mysteries of the faith, Joseph would be enraptured, lifted bodily into the air, and remain suspended for long periods, insensible to his surroundings. These wonders, though a sign of God’s favor, often embarrassed him and brought suspicion and persecution from both within and outside the Church. At one point, the Inquisition summoned him, yet finding no fault, permitted him to continue his religious life under obedience and supervision.
His ecstasies were accompanied by a deep interior union with God, profound humility, and burning love of Christ. Far from seeking attention, he begged his superiors to hide him away and wept at the thought of being esteemed a saint.
Virtues and Daily Life
Despite his mystical gifts, Joseph was most remarkable for his humility, simplicity, and obedience. He referred to himself as “Brother Ass,” delighting to be thought worthless. He bore trials of ridicule, harsh treatment, and severe restrictions with meekness. He had tender devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and often exhorted souls to confidence in her maternal intercession. His charity toward others, especially the poor and afflicted, shone brightly, and he offered counsel and consolation to many who sought his prayers.
Death and Canonization
In his final years, Joseph lived under strict obedience and hiddenness, enduring exile and separation from his brethren. In all things, he saw the loving hand of God. He died in Osimo, Italy, on September 18, 1663, consumed by the love of Christ.
He was beatified in 1753 by Pope Benedict XIV and canonized in 1767 by Pope Clement XIII. His feast day is kept on September 18. He is venerated as the patron saint of aviators, air travelers, and students—the latter because of the miraculous manner in which he passed his examinations.
Spiritual Legacy
Saint Joseph of Cupertino embodies the Gospel truth that holiness is not achieved by human brilliance or skill but by humility, resignation, and burning love of God. His life is a living commentary on Our Lord’s words: “Unless you become as little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 18:3).
🙏 Prayer of Intercession
O humble Saint Joseph of Cupertino, who soared in ecstasy at the name of Jesus, teach us true humility and detachment from the world. Obtain for us the grace to love God with a pure heart and to rise above earthly trials, so that we too may one day rejoice with you in heaven. Amen.