St Joseph of Cupertino

     St Joseph of Cupertino was born June 17th, 1603 and died September 18th, 1663. He was an OFM Franciscan friar who is honored as a Christian mystic and Saint. He was said to be "remarkably unclever", but experienced miraculous levitation and ecstatic visions throughout his life, which made him the object of scorn. He was called the "Flying Friar" because of the Ecstasy he experienced when just thinking of God. He had the disability of being "absent-minded" and wandered around town with his mouth open, making him look quite odd to the townspeople. This "childlike" quality would qualify him in our days mindset as "mentally disabled". But if only everyone knew that this great Saint was highly revered in the sight of God,  teaching us to "never judge a book by its cover". His levitation during prayer and Mass acclaimed him as Saintly, and rightly so. 

     He is the Patron Saint of air travelers, pilots and the learning disabled. Being deemed illiterate, literally made him rise to the occasion, well this feat of levitation was marveled by all who got to witness it. 

     Let us ask for his intercession, as we pray for all who are mentally challenged and struggle in a world so condemning and in such great need of facilities to help them. May they get the guidance and help they need through the intercession of this great Saint. Starting in our schools, and our churches. Reaching out to help those who clearly need help. Not to throw them by the wayside, but genuinely have love for those in need, no matter what the need is. 

     St Joseph of Cupertino, please pray for us and for the whole world!