Joseph of Cupertino

Joseph of Cupertino, born on June seventeenth, sixteen oh three, was an Italian Conventual Franciscan friar renowned for his mystical experiences and eventual canonization as a saint. Despite being described as 'remarkably unclever' by traditional Franciscan accounts, Joseph's life was marked by extraordinary events, including miraculous levitation and ecstatic visions that drew both admiration and scorn from those around him.

His journey to becoming a friar was not without challenges. Initially, Joseph applied to join the Conventual Franciscan friars but faced rejection due to his lack of formal education. Undeterred, he humbly offered to work in their stables, where his unwavering devotion and simplicity gradually won over the friars. In sixteen twenty-five, after years of dedication, he was finally admitted to their Order, setting him on the path to priesthood.

Joseph's struggles did not end with his admission; he faced significant hurdles in his ordination process, which required two remarkable coincidences during his examinations. These incidents not only highlighted his perseverance but also earned him the title of patron saint for students, exam takers, and individuals with learning difficulties or disabilities. His unique ability to levitate further established him as the patron of pilots and travelers by air.