September 20, 2004
On this day Franciscans throughout the world celebrate the feast day of Saint Joseph of Cupertino, the patron saint of students and aviators. If you want to know more, read on.
Joseph was born and bred in a very poor family in the kingdom of Naples in the year 1603. Although he was both obedient and devout, he often frustrated his parents. He was clumsy when assisting his mother in household chores and useless in his father's carpenter shop. I suspect today he would diagnosed with some form of learning disability. His parents were probably relieved and happy when he expressed a desire to be a religious. When of age, he joined the Capuchin branch of the Franciscan Order, yet was soon sent home because of his awkwardness and poor judgment. However, through the continuous entreaties of his mother, the Conventual Franciscans agreed to accept Joseph as a helper. His main job was to care for the convent mule. So where do studies and flying fit in? Read on!
In time, Joseph's humility, diligence, and piety so impressed the superiors, he was not only admitted into the community as a friar, but would later join the ranks of the seminarians. Despite his evident limitations in practical matters, he exhibited an extraordinary devotion, heroic charity, profound prayer, and what theologians call "infused knowledge”. This is when a person possesses knowledge on spiritual and moral matters without even opening up a book! No wonder struggling students pray to Saint Joseph! Now, what about aviation? Read on!
Besides displaying great virtue and possessing deep wisdom, Joseph also began - to levitate! Both during Mass and at prayer, he began to rise above the ground! Hundreds of sworn testimonies attest to the truth of this extraordinary phenomenon. Yet, was it because of this he was canonized on September 18, 1663 by Pope Clement XIII? No, it was because…well…get your New Testament, turn to Chapter 13 of Saint Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians and then, begin with verse one, and read on!
Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
Community Servant, residing at St. Felix Friary in Yonkers
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