St. Joseph of Cupertino

St. Joseph was born at Cupertino, in the diocese of Nardo in the Kingdom of Naples, in 1603. He finally joined the Franciscan Friars Minor Conventual, and was ordained the priesthood. He was most devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and promoted devotion to her among all classes of people.

It is said that the life of this saint was marked by ecstasies and levitations. The mere mention of God or a spiritual matter was enough to take him out of his senses; at Mass he frequently floated in the air in rapture. Once as Christmas carols were being sung, he soared to the high altar and knelt in the air.

Joseph died September 18, 1663, at Ossimo, Italy of a rapidly developed but severe fever. He is buried in the chapel of the Conception at Ossimo.  He is a patron of travelers and pilots. His Feast Day is September 18.