St. Joseph of Cupertino
"Pray to God, 'You are the Spirit, and I am only the trumpet, and without your breath I can give no sound.” - +St. Joseph of Cupertino
I have often said that if anyone ever claims they have nothing more to learn, they most likely lead a very sheltered and limited life.
St. Joseph truly embodies the virtue of patience, especially as seen in his profound patience and endurance during times of adversity. His patient nature and unwavering commitment to persevere through difficult challenges serve as powerful and inspiring lessons for all of us. By reflecting on his story, we are encouraged to stay steadfast, maintain patience, and trust in the journey, even when facing hardships and uncertainty. So, who is St. Joseph, you may ask?
Known to be "remarkably unclever," Joseph of Cupertino, OFM Conv., was an Italian Conventual Franciscan friar who is widely honored as a Christian mystic and saint. According to traditional Franciscan accounts, he was known not only for his humility and simplicity but also for the many miraculous events attributed to his deep faith and unwavering devotion. He was born in 1603 in Cupertino, a small and humble town located in southern Italy. He grew up in poverty, facing many hardships and challenges throughout his childhood. As a child, Joseph was quiet and sometimes slow to learn. He had trouble in school. He often forgot things and was not good at reading or speaking. Some people thought he was not very smart. But inside, he had a strong love for God.
I can so truly relate to St. Joseph, as he would often spend long, quiet moments praying alone in deep and peaceful reflection. He regularly visited churches, finding a profound sense of peace and comfort within their sacred, serene spaces. He dedicated many hours to deeply contemplating Jesus and His teachings, allowing those lessons to shape his heart and mind. Even when others sometimes made fun of him or misunderstood his intentions, St. Joseph remained consistently kind and gentle, never responding with anger or feeling the need to prove himself to anyone. As he grew older, he thoughtfully and prayerfully chose a religious path, dedicating his entire life by becoming a Franciscan friar and eventually being ordained as a priest. He is often referred to as “The Flying Saint” because, on several remarkable occasions, people witnessed him seemingly rising off the ground while deeply immersed in prayer. He completely surrendered himself to the Spirit of God, trusting in divine guidance. It was through this humble surrender that he gained true wisdom and spiritual insight, far beyond worldly understanding. How often do we ask questions or seek advice from our elders or those we consider wise, yet in the end still choose to follow our own desires and plans?
I have found myself in that very situation many times throughout my life. Now, as I continue growing older, I am genuinely beginning to grasp the importance of surrendering fully to the wisdom and promptings of the Holy Spirit. St. Joseph’s life powerfully demonstrates the strength that comes from faithful devotion. Despite facing rejection and hardship, he stayed steadfast in prayer and service, showing us how faith can bring true meaning and holiness to our lives.
St. Joseph of Cupertino, Pray for us!
Keep at it!
Keep praying. Love the Lord.
Peace and Grace.
