St. Joseph of Cupertino

Joseph Desa seemed unable to succeed at anything. He barely learned to read, wrote even worse, and was dismissed by the Capuchins because his absent-minded clumsiness made ordinary duties difficult. Accepted later as a servant by the Conventual Franciscans at Grottella, he grew in humility, penance, sweetness, and faithful work until the friars admitted him to religious profession and study for the priesthood.

His learning remained painfully limited. At the examination for the diaconate, the bishop happened to ask him to explain the one Gospel passage he knew well. When the candidates for priesthood were examined, the first answered so well that the rest, including Joseph, were passed without further questions. He was ordained in 1628.

Joseph's life then became famous for ecstasies and levitations. This life notes that some early incidents are doubtful, while several from his later years were supported by serious witnesses and examined during his cause. These manifestations brought crowds, suspicion, repeated removals, and strict seclusion. Joseph met it all with obedience. He urged troubled people to pray, rejected scrupulous fear, and accepted years of isolation without bitterness. His wonders attracted attention, but his patient humility revealed the saint.