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Lives of the Saints:

How They Changed the World

Saint Joseph of Cupertino (1603–1663)

Saint Joseph of Cupertino (1603–1663)

Patron saint of air travelers, astronauts, and pilots

Feast day: September 18




Saint Joseph of Cupertino showed a love of prayer from a young age. He was ordained into the priesthood in 1628. Joseph is best known for his gift of levitating during prayer. This gift led him to be humble, tolerant, and obedient. There were also times when he felt persuaded by temptation and abandoned by God. Joseph fasted and adorned himself with chains for the majority of his life. Because he drew so much attention, he was transferred by the friars of his order several times. He was investigated by the Inquisition but was acquitted by the examiners. Saint Joseph of Cupertino was canonized in 1767. (Image in public domain-100)