When the wet match burns the brightest ...

"Clearly, what God wants above all is our will
which we received as a free gift from God in creation and possess as though our own.
When a man trains himself to acts of virtue, 
it is with the help of grace from God from whom all good things come that he does this.
The will is what man has as his unique possession.

- Saint Joseph of Cupertino

Cupertino, Italy—June 17, 1803, A.D.

Little Giuseppe Desa’s entry into the world was humble, His father fled due to debts, and his impoverished mother gave birth to him in a stable. This metaphor mirrors the Gospel story of Christ’s own birth. As a child, St Joseph experienced mystical visions, leading others to mock him. They bullied his absent-mindedness and “open-mouthed” demeanor. He struggled academically, giving the impression of being “slow” or “unclever.” All of which, led to frustration, manifested through a fiery temper.

Trials and Divine Providence

St Joseph sought help through the Franciscan Order but faced rejection due to his lack of formal education. His persistence led him to serve in the stables of the Franciscan convent. This showcased his simplicity, obedience and devotion to the friars, who eventually accepted him into their Order. Despite his struggles with study, divine providence intervened at pivotal moments in exams, ensuring his priestly ordination on March 28, 1628. His life was a masterpiece of God’s grace via human weakness, highlighting how holiness is not connected to ability or intellect.

Mystical Ecstasies and Levitation

St Joseph’s life was marked by profound mystical experiences. Allegedly, he frequently levitated during Mass or prayer—sometimes soaring to altars in ecstatic rapture. These occurrences were initially viewed with suspicion and even led to an Inquisition. Witnesses of high social standing and careful documentation, especially during canonization; affirm the widespread notoriety of his gifts. Critics suggest acrobatics or hallucinatory experiences; but regardless, St Joseph’s life demonstrates a radical surrender to God’s will.

Patronage and Legacy

St. Joseph of Cupertino was canonized in 1767 and is universally venerated as the patron of students, exam-takers, aviators, astronauts, and those with learning challenges. His life challenges us to see that spiritual flight is often made possible through humility, endurance, and trust in divine guidance, even in the simplest, “wettest” or dryest times of our lives. Ordinary beginnings, struggles and/or weaknesses can be transformed into instruments of divine grace. This proves how God can lift anyone—literally or spiritually—to new heights; regardless of every earthly limitation. His feast day is celebrated September 18.

Prayer for St Joseph’s intercession with Exams

St Joseph, saint of humble mind, whose wisdom came from God-so-kind.
Stand with me as tests draw near and calm this heart in doubt and fear.
You soared by grace when life felt small, and trusted God to guide things all.
Lift up my thoughts when they feel weak and help me find the words I seek.

When questions rise like stormy seas, bring clarity with gentle ease.
Let memory shine where shadows fall, and steady me with word recall.
O patron saint of struggling souls, whose simple faith meets lofty goals.
Pray my efforts, tried and true; may bear good fruit in all I do.

And when my final grade is shown, may I glorify God alone.
For every grace both seen and hid, comes from His hand, as yours once did.

Sources:

Catholic Answers (2024). St. Joseph of Cupertino | Catholic.com

EWTN news (2009). Church to honor patron saint of air travelers

Franciscan Friars Conventual (2024). St. Joseph of Cupertino: The Flying Saint

National Shrine of St. Joseph of Cupertino (2024). Life of St. Joseph of Cupertino

New Advent (2024). Thurston, H. (1910). St. Joseph of Cupertino. In, The Catholic Encyclopedia