September 18: Saint Joseph of Cupertino

The Saint Who Could Fly

A simple, humble and almost illiterate Franciscan friar, known for his mystical experiences, numerous miracles, and above all, for levitating during prayer. This is Saint Joseph of Cupertino, born on June 17, 1603, in Copertino, Apulia in southern Italy. He came into the world in extreme poverty, in a stable, and his childhood was marked by hardship and illness. With little formal education—he could barely read and write—he was rejected by several religious orders.

After many attempts, he was accepted as a tertiary at the convent of the Conventual Franciscans at La Grottella, where he carried out simple tasks. With God’s help and steadfast perseverance, he prepared for the priesthood: he passed two crucial examinations thanks to providential coincidences that allowed him to answer precisely the questions he knew. Despite his limitations, he was ordained a priest in 1628.

A man of simplicity and humility, he called himself “Brother Donkey,” yet possessed the gift of infused knowledge, enabling him to speak with wisdom and divine inspiration. He had a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and Saint Francis of Assisi, dedicating his life to prayer, penance, and helping the poorest.

From 1630, his mystical levitations began: during prayer or spiritual ecstasy, he would rise from the ground—a phenomenon that drew crowds and the curious from all over Italy. His growing fame inspired admiration but also suspicion; he was therefore examined by the Holy Office and kept in isolation for years, first in Assisi, then in Osimo.

During his 14-year stay in Assisi, he lived in profound obedience and humility, even as his ecstasies and miracles continued. In 1657 he was transferred to Osimo, where he spent his final years in silence and illness. He died on September 18, 1663, after receiving the sacraments, with a smile on his face.

He was canonized by Pope Clement XIII on July 16, 1767, and has since been venerated as the patron saint of students, especially in times of exam stress, as well as remembered as “the Saint Who Could Fly” for the gift of levitation, which occurred many times during prayer or the celebration of Mass.

The city of Cupertino, California, is named after Saint Joseph of Cupertino.