The Astonishing True Story Of St. Joseph Of Cupertino (The Levitating Saint)

On November 7, 2024, Miraculous Mysteries (Cameron Bertuzzi) writes:

In this documentary, discover the unbelievable story of St. Joseph of Cupertino, the humble priest whose gravity-defying miracles astonished Popes, converted skeptics, and left even the Inquisition speechless.

Want to learn more about St. Joseph? How early are our sources? Should we be skeptical? Check out our supplementary livestream on our sister channel:

https://www.youtube.com/live/K5Yfemh1rf4

Original YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMsGTeWhAaI

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Here's brief summary about Joseph of Cupertino from Perplexity:

Joseph of Cupertino (1603–1663), also known as Giuseppe Desa, was an Italian Conventual Franciscan friar, mystic, and Catholic saint renowned for his reported ability to levitate. Born in poverty in the Kingdom of Naples, Joseph faced significant challenges in his early life, including learning difficulties and frequent ecstatic visions. Despite these obstacles, he became a Franciscan priest in 1628 and gained a reputation for his profound piety and miraculous abilities.

Levitation Phenomenon

Joseph's levitations were first recorded during Mass or while praying. Witnesses reported that he would rise into the air, sometimes hovering for extended periods. These events occurred not only in private but also during public gatherings, such as processions and even an audience with Pope Urban VIII. On one occasion, while venerating the Pope's feet, Joseph reportedly ascended into the air and only descended when commanded by his superior.

Historical accounts document numerous instances of his levitations:

• During a procession honoring St. Francis of Assisi, Joseph was said to have soared into the sky above the crowd.

• He reportedly helped workmen plant a stone cross by lifting it into place while levitating.

• Eyewitness testimonies collected during his beatification process include over 70 recorded levitations, some lasting several hours.

Eyewitness Accounts

Joseph's levitations were witnessed by diverse groups of people, including cardinals, inquisitors, and even Pope Urban VIII. These accounts were meticulously documented during the canonization process. Skeptics have debated these phenomena, attributing them to psychological or physical factors, but the consistency of testimonies over 35 years lends credibility to the claims.

Challenges and Legacy

Joseph's levitations caused disruptions within his monastic community and drew large crowds seeking miracles. His superiors often transferred him between monasteries to maintain order. Additionally, because levitation was sometimes associated with witchcraft, he faced scrutiny from the Inquisition but was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.

Joseph of Cupertino was canonized in 1767 by Pope Clement XIII and is now venerated as the patron saint of aviators, astronauts, students, and individuals with learning difficulties. His life remains a subject of fascination for both believers and skeptics alike.

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They Flew: A History of the Impossible (Book)
By Carlos M. N. Eire
https://amzn.to/41U7dYE

Saint Joseph of Copertino (Book)
By Angelo Pastrovicchi
https://amzn.to/43B6xZC

Saint Joseph of Jesus and Mary: Priedieu Papers in His Praise
https://amzn.to/41RITql

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Extraordinary Human Capabilities
https://sunfellow.com/extraordinary-human-capabilities/

Extraordinary Humans on Rumble
https://rumble.com/c/c-2752248