St. Joseph was born to a poor family in the small Italian town of Cupertino. His early life gave no evidence of any special gifts. He was considered slow-witted and easily distracted. After several unsuccessful attempts to become a Franciscan, he won acceptance as a servant by the Conventual Franciscans at Tortorella. There he received the habit of a tertiary and was set to work in the stables. Though he remained a poor student—he could barely read and write—his humility and deep faith won respect. He was admitted as a novice and eventually ordained a priest.  

Soon, Joseph began to display extraordinary spiritual gifts. At the thought of any holy mystery, he would be transported into a state of ecstasy. On such occasions, he would be visibly transported into the air. These levitations were documented by many reputable witnesses. While his reputation attracted wide attention, these fits of “giddiness” aroused the suspicion of Church authorities, who charged that he was “feigning holiness” and setting himself up as a “new messiah.” Repeatedly, he was called before the Inquisition and even brought to meet with the pope. Though he was cleared of any charges, he was ordered not to say Mass in public. Ultimately he was assigned to a series of secluded friaries, forbidden to have any dealings with the outside world. Joseph died on September 18, 1663, and was canonized in 1767.  

Asked what the souls in ecstasy behold: “They feel as though they were taken into a wonderful gallery, shining with neverending beauty, where in a glass, with a single look, they apprehend the marvelous vision which God is pleased to show them.” —St. Joseph of Cupertino