Joseph, of Cupertino, Saint, 1603-1663

Person

Dates

Existence: 1603 June 17 - 1663 September 18

Biographical note

Joseph Desa was born at Cupertino, near Brindisi, in 1603. He tried his vocation in several places, but was summarily dismissed on account of his "poor intelligence." Finally, he was received by the Conventual Franciscans of Grotella as a stable-hand and a lay tertiary. On account of his spiritual gifts, he was professed as a friar and ordained priest. These gifts included the power of levitation: he would fly straight from the church door to the altar over the heads of the worshippers; once he flew to an olive tree and remained kneeling on a branch for half an hour. He died in 1663, and was canonized in 1767.

(paraphrased from The Book of Saints : A Dictionary of Persons Canonized or Beatified by the Catholic Church. 5th edition. New York: Crowell, 1966.)

Alternate names

Joseph Desa

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Saint Joseph of Cupertino, undated

File — Box 60, tray: 2, Item: 9

Scope and Contents From the Series: Small personal religious items including badges, bookmarks, commemorative coins, devotional wallets, jewelry, medals, money clips, key rings, ribbons, pins, and travel accessories. Some items were used during prayer, while others mark religious identity or commemorate particular religious events or awards. Many objects are inscribed with "I am a Catholic; in case of an accident kindly notify a priest." Quite a few of the badges are handmade.Objects containing relics, including...

Access Note

Collection is open for research.

Dates: undated

Found in: / Liturgy and life collection / Personal devotional and religious objects / By dedication