At St. Benedict Classical Academy, I am always eager to discover a new patron saint to share with my students, and with February break travel approaching, I found myself wondering whose intercession to seek for my upcoming flights. That search led me to St. Joseph of Cupertino, known as the patron saint of air travelers and pilots because he would sometimes levitate during moments of intense prayer. Even more beautifully, I discovered that he is also the patron saint of students and test takers, especially those with learning challenges, making his story one I was excited to share with my students.
St. Joseph of Cupertino was a Franciscan friar in the 17th century, well known for his piety, but also for overcoming his disabilities. As a young child, he was referred to as “slow” and clumsy. He experienced rejection not only from his own mother and extended family, but also from his community. In the face of neglect and hardship, he devoted himself to prayer and to deepening his faith. As an adult, he failed apprenticeships and was refused by many monasteries. Although he lacked formal education and struggled in his studies, he was ordained a priest in 1628. During one examination, he was asked to explain the only line of Scripture he had memorized. Because of this, he was able to move forward and continue his path to becoming a friar.
Last week, I shared the story of St. Joseph of Cupertino with many students before they began a test, in hopes of inspiring and encouraging them. At first, I received many responses, such as, “So I only have to study one thing and just hope it’s on the test?” I appreciated their honesty, and hope that is the case with St. Joseph’s intercession. Before one student began his test, I asked, “Have you ever heard of St. Joseph Cupertino?” He replied, “Oh, is that the floating saint?” I confirmed his nickname and then shared more about St. Joseph’s life, including the struggles he faced in learning as a child. After listening quietly, the student looked up at me, paused, and asked, “Do you think I could be a saint one day?” In that moment, I was so grateful for St. Joseph of Cupertino to be a model my students can personally relate to.
Let us pray to St. Joseph of Cupertino for his intercession to strengthen our memory and to guide our growth in knowledge. May he help us to embrace humility on our path to becoming saints.
AUTHOR: Katie Fair, Director of Aegis Support
