St. Joseph of Cupertino (1603–1663) is one of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church. Joseph of Cupertino was an Italian Franciscan friar famous for his reported ability to levitate during ecstatic prayer. He was considered slow-witted as a youth and was rejected by several religious orders before being accepted by the Conventual Franciscans. The Church celebrates St. Joseph of Cupertino's feast on 09-18.
Catholic Daily brings you the life of St. Joseph of Cupertino as part of our commitment to helping Catholics encounter the saints of the liturgical calendar every morning. Whether you are discovering St. Joseph of Cupertino for the first time or deepening a long-standing devotion, this page offers biography, prayers, and practical guidance for honoring this holy patron in your daily life.
Early Life and Calling of St. Joseph of Cupertino
Joseph of Cupertino was an Italian Franciscan friar famous for his reported ability to levitate during ecstatic prayer. He was considered slow-witted as a youth and was rejected by several religious orders before being accepted by the Conventual Franciscans. His levitations were so frequent and public that they were witnessed by many people, including Pope Urban VIII.
The vocation of St. Joseph of Cupertino reminds us that holiness is not the exclusive domain of monks and nuns but the universal call of every baptized Christian. The Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium teaches that all the faithful are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity — and St. Joseph of Cupertino's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.
Patron Saint: Aviators, astronauts, test-takers, students
St. Joseph of Cupertino is honored as the patron saint of Aviators, astronauts, test-takers, students. The designation of patron saints is a beautiful expression of the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the saints in heaven are not distant figures from the past but active intercessors who accompany us in our earthly journey.
Those who work in or are associated with Aviators have traditionally invoked St. Joseph of Cupertino's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of St. Joseph of Cupertino is grounded in the specific details of Cupertino's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.
How to Honor St. Joseph of Cupertino in Your Daily Life
The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor St. Joseph of Cupertino and seek Cupertino's intercession:
On the Feast Day (09-18): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on Cupertino's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate Cupertino's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of St. Joseph of Cupertino and spend a few minutes in prayer.
Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of St. Joseph of Cupertino in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. Cupertino, pray for us," draws Cupertino's intercession into your day.
Novena: A nine-day novena to St. Joseph of Cupertino can be prayed before the feast day (beginning nine days prior) or at any time of particular need. Many Catholics have reported profound graces through novena prayer.
Study: Read a biography of St. Joseph of Cupertino. The lives of the saints are the living commentary on the Gospel — they show us what it looks like to follow Christ in a particular time, culture, and vocation.
Prayer to St. Joseph of Cupertino
O glorious St. Joseph of Cupertino, whose life was a testament to the love and power of Almighty God, look upon us with mercy from your place before His throne. You who walked the path of holiness with courage and fidelity, intercede for us who struggle in the pilgrimage of faith. Obtain for us from God the graces we most need — especially [state your intention here] — and help us to follow your example of love, courage, and total surrender to God's will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast Day Prayer (from the Roman Missal):Lord our God, you have given us St. Joseph of Cupertino as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor Cupertino's memory imitate Cupertino's virtues and one day share Cupertino's joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
St. Joseph of Cupertino in Art and Catholic Tradition
St. Joseph of Cupertino has been depicted in Catholic sacred art for centuries. Traditional iconography of the saints communicates theological truths through visual symbols — a language that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart.
Common symbols associated with St. Joseph of Cupertino in Catholic art may include:
- A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood
- Specific objects or instruments associated with Cupertino's life or martyrdom
- Liturgical vestments corresponding to Cupertino's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing)
- A palm branch, if St. Joseph of Cupertino is a martyr
A lesser-known fact about St. Joseph of Cupertino: He reportedly levitated over seventy times during his life, including once flying to the top of a tree while walking in the monastery garden.
When praying before an image of St. Joseph of Cupertino, allow the symbols to draw your attention to the virtues they represent. Sacred art is not decoration but theology made visible — a window through which the heavenly reality shines into our earthly prayer.