St. Joseph of Cupertino
(1603-1663)
Joseph is most famous for levitating at prayer.
Already as a child, Joseph showed a fondness for prayer. After a
short career with the Capuchins, he joined the Conventuals. Following a
brief assignment caring for the friary mule, Joseph began his studies
for the priesthood. Though studies were very difficult for him, Joseph
gained a great deal of knowledge from prayer. He was ordained in 1628.
Joseph’s tendency to levitate during prayer was sometimes a
cross; some people came to see this much as they might have gone to a
circus sideshow. Joseph’s gift led him to be humble, patient and
obedient, even though at times he was greatly tempted and felt forsaken
by God. He fasted and wore iron chains for much of his life.
The friars transferred Joseph several times for his own good and
for the good of the rest of the community. He was reported to and
investigated by the Inquisition; the examiners exonerated him.
Joseph was canonized in 1767. In the investigation preceding the canonization, 70 incidents of levitation are recorded.
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