“You are the Spirit and I am only the trumpet, and without Your breath I can give no sound.”
Joseph was born in 1603 at Cupertino in the Kingdom of Naples. His father was a humble carpenter who contracted very heavy debts and his mother was very strict with him. As a child he was purported to be slow to learn and absent-minded but lived in close union with God.
When it came time for him to learn a trade, he faltered and instead tried to join the Franciscan Friars but was soon dismissed because of his awkwardness. Even his relatives turned him out as useless and a disgrace to his family. But the Friars took pity after his pleas giving him the lowliest of tasks. His humility and obedience showed through and within 3 years he was ordained a priest.
Although his studies were not successful, he possessed infused knowledge, so much so that even great theologians marveled, as his life was one of uninterrupted union with God.
Hundreds of times, witnesses, including Pope Urban VIII, said they saw him rise from the ground while in reverence, offering mass or praying and would be caught up in talking with God. Duke John Frederick of Brunswick had attended one of these Masses offered up by Father Joseph and was so impressed by his ecstasy that he was convinced of the truth of the Catholic faith and made his profession of faith before Father Joseph himself.
In his conversations with God, Joseph said that all the troubles of this world were nothing but the “play” battles children have. He became so famous for his miracles that he was kept hidden from the public.
He sought to honor the Mother of God frequently and because his visions were so extraordinary, his virtue was also tested. God permitted Joseph to be severely tempted by the devil. After having stood the test of many storms, he was rewarded with heavenly consolation and died in the convent on September 18, 1663.
He is the patron saint of air travelers, astronauts, aviators, happy death, degree candidates, examinations, flying, and students.
His feast day is September 18.
For God’s Glory.
