St. Joseph of Cupertino

St. Joseph of Cupertino was born on June 17, 1603, in Copertino, a village in the province of Lecce, Apulia, to poor but devout parents, Felice Desa and Francesca Panaca. His father had died before his birth, leaving the family in financial hardship. Joseph's early life was marked by difficulties, including a hot temper and being known as "the gaper" due to his absent-mindedness. Despite these challenges, he felt drawn to religious life and applied to the Conventual Franciscan friars in 1620 but was initially rejected due to his lack of education. He briefly joined the Capuchin friars but was dismissed. Eventually, he was accepted by the Conventual Franciscans in 1625 and ordained as a priest on March 28, 1628. Joseph became renowned for experiencing ecstasies and levitations during prayer, with over 70 documented incidents. This phenomenon led to his transfer between various friaries to avoid publicity. Despite being investigated by the Inquisition, he was exonerated. Joseph spent his final years in the friary in Osimo, where he died on September 18, 1663. He was beatified in 1753 and canonized on July 16, 1767, by Pope Clement XIII. Today, St. Joseph of Cupertino is revered as the patron saint of air travelers, astronauts, and students, celebrated for his humility and devotion.