Was St. Joseph of Cupertino’s Levitation a True Miracle?

Brief Overview

• St. Joseph of Cupertino, a 17th-century Italian Franciscan friar, is renowned for reportedly levitating during prayer and Mass.
• Born in 1603 in Cupertino, Italy, he faced significant challenges, including learning difficulties and rejection from religious orders.
• His life was marked by intense devotion, ecstatic visions, and over 70 documented instances of levitation.
• Catholic tradition views his levitations as miraculous signs of divine favor, though skeptics propose natural explanations.
• Canonized in 1767, he is the patron saint of aviators, astronauts, and students.
• This article examines his life, the phenomenon of levitation, and Catholic perspectives on miracles.

Detailed Response

Early Life and Struggles

St. Joseph of Cupertino, born Giuseppe Desa on June 17, 1603, in Cupertino, Italy, faced a challenging childhood. His father, a carpenter, died before his birth, leaving his mother, Francesca Panaca, in poverty. She gave birth to Joseph in a stable, a circumstance that echoed the humility of Christ’s nativity. As a child, Joseph was considered slow and absent-minded, earning the nickname “the gaper” due to his tendency to wander aimlessly with his mouth open. His learning difficulties made formal education nearly impossible, and he struggled to focus, often dropping objects or forgetting tasks. Despite these challenges, Joseph displayed a deep love for prayer from an early age. His mother, frustrated by his perceived uselessness, treated him harshly, and he faced rejection from peers. Attempts to learn a trade, such as shoemaking, ended in failure due to his lack of coordination. Nevertheless, his faith grew, and he felt a strong calling to religious life. This persistence would shape his eventual path to sainthood.

Entry into Religious Life

Joseph’s journey to religious life was fraught with obstacles. Initially, he sought to join the Conventual Franciscan friars but was rejected due to his lack of education. Undeterred, he pleaded to serve in their stables, a humble role he accepted with devotion. His simplicity and piety impressed the friars, and in 1625, they admitted him to their order. Studies for the priesthood proved difficult, but a remarkable event occurred during his examination for the diaconate. The bishop asked Joseph to explain a scripture passage, Luke 11:27 (“Blessed is the womb that bore you”), which was the one topic he knew well. He delivered an eloquent discourse, astonishing those present, and was ordained a priest in 1628. This event is often cited as a sign of divine intervention. His struggles highlight the Catholic belief that God often chooses the weak to accomplish great things, as noted in 1 Corinthians 1:27. Joseph’s perseverance became a testament to faith overcoming limitations.

The Phenomenon of Levitation

St. Joseph’s most famous attribute is his reported levitations, with over 70 incidents recorded during his lifetime. Witnesses, including clergy, nobles, and laypeople, claimed he rose from the ground during Mass, prayer, or when contemplating God. One notable event occurred during a procession for St. Francis of Assisi, when Joseph reportedly soared into the air and hovered above the crowd. Another account describes him lifting a heavy stone cross into place for workmen, an act beyond human strength. These events often began with a shout or scream, followed by a trance-like state where he appeared unaware of his surroundings. His superiors, concerned about the disruption caused by crowds, frequently transferred him between friaries. The Catholic Church views levitation as a rare charismatic gift, often associated with deep spiritual union with God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that miracles are signs of God’s power (CCC 547). Joseph’s levitations were seen as such signs, though they brought him both fame and scrutiny. Despite his humility, these events made him a public spectacle.

Catholic Understanding of Miracles

The Catholic Church defines miracles as extraordinary events that surpass natural laws and point to divine intervention. According to the Catechism, miracles are signs that confirm faith and reveal God’s presence (CCC 548). St. Joseph’s levitations are considered miraculous because they defy the known laws of physics, particularly gravity. The Church investigates such claims rigorously, seeking natural explanations before affirming a supernatural cause. In Joseph’s case, the sheer number of eyewitness accounts, including those from credible figures like the Spanish ambassador, lends weight to the claims. The canonization process, which culminated in 1767, involved detailed inquiries from 1664 to 1695, with testimonies from living witnesses. These accounts were documented in hagiographies by figures like Roberto Nuti and Domenico Bernino. The Church does not require belief in specific miracles but presents them as signs of holiness. Joseph’s levitations, while extraordinary, are secondary to his virtuous life. His canonization affirms that his life reflected heroic virtue, not merely spectacle.

Skeptical Perspectives

Skeptics have long sought natural explanations for Joseph’s levitations. Some, like historian Robert D. Smith, suggest he may have been an agile gymnast whose leaps were mistaken for levitation. Others propose psychological or neurological conditions, such as epilepsy or ergot poisoning, which was common in Europe and could cause convulsions or hallucinations. These theories argue that Joseph’s trances and physical movements were misinterpreted by witnesses. However, historian Carlos Eire notes that the settings of Joseph’s levitations—often in churches or public spaces—rule out elaborate trickery or illusions. The volume and status of eyewitnesses, including upper-class individuals, add credibility to the accounts. The Catholic Church acknowledges the need for skepticism, as seen in its cautious approach during canonization inquiries. Yet, it maintains that not all phenomena can be reduced to natural causes. The debate reflects a tension between faith and reason, a balance the Church seeks to maintain. Joseph’s case remains a challenge to materialist worldviews.

Church Authorities’ Response

Joseph’s levitations were not universally welcomed by Church authorities. His superiors found the public attention disruptive, as crowds flocked to see the “Flying Saint.” To maintain order, they transferred him multiple times, eventually confining him to a small cell in Osimo, Italy, for the last six years of his life. The Inquisition investigated him, suspecting fraud or demonic influence, but acquitted him due to his humility and obedience. This scrutiny reflects the Church’s cautious approach to extraordinary phenomena, as outlined in the Catechism (CCC 67), which warns against private revelations that distract from Christ. Joseph’s levitations were often involuntary, and he expressed embarrassment, seeking to hide after such events. His confinement was partly to protect him and the community from the chaos his fame caused. The Church’s response underscores its priority of spiritual discipline over sensationalism. Despite these measures, Joseph’s reputation for holiness grew. His life illustrates the Church’s discernment in distinguishing divine gifts from mere spectacle.

Other Saints and Levitation

Levitation is not unique to St. Joseph but is rare in Catholic hagiography. Other saints, such as St. Teresa of Ávila, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Padre Pio, are also reported to have levitated during prayer. St. Teresa described her body feeling “light” during ecstatic experiences, a sensation akin to Joseph’s (CCC 270). These accounts suggest a connection between deep prayer and physical manifestations of divine grace. The Franciscan tradition, in particular, seems to emphasize such phenomena, possibly due to St. Francis’s own mystical experiences. Historian Carlos Eire notes that levitation often accompanied intense spiritual rapture, a state of being “caught up” in God, as described in 2 Corinthians 12:2. These events were seen as signs of holiness, not the essence of it. The Church teaches that such gifts are secondary to virtues like charity and humility (CCC 2003). Joseph’s levitations, while striking, were less significant than his obedience and prayerful life. Comparing him to other saints highlights the consistency of such phenomena in Catholic tradition.

Theological Significance

Theologically, Joseph’s levitations point to the transcendence of the human soul over the material world. The Catholic Church teaches that the body and soul are united, yet the soul’s orientation toward God can manifest in extraordinary ways (CCC 365). Levitation symbolizes the soul’s elevation toward divine union, a physical expression of spiritual ecstasy. Joseph’s experiences often occurred during Mass, suggesting a connection to the Eucharist, which Catholics believe is Christ’s real presence (CCC 1374). His levitations were not for show but were involuntary responses to divine love. The Catechism notes that miracles strengthen faith by showing God’s power over creation (CCC 156). For Joseph, these events drew others to faith, though they also caused disruption. His life reflects the gospel principle that God exalts the humble, as seen in Luke 1:52. Theologically, his levitations are less about defying gravity than about pointing to God’s glory. They invite believers to consider the mystery of divine action in human life.

Impact on His Community

Joseph’s levitations had a profound impact on those around him. Laypeople and clergy alike flocked to witness his ecstasies, seeing them as signs of God’s presence. His fame spread beyond Italy, with figures like the Spanish ambassador’s wife seeking to meet him. However, this attention often disrupted the Franciscan community’s routine. Meals, prayers, and processions were interrupted when Joseph rose into the air, sometimes with objects like plates or crosses. His superiors, wary of sensationalism, sought to limit his public exposure. Despite this, his humility and kindness endeared him to many, especially the poor, who saw him as a holy figure. His ability to inspire faith, even amidst skepticism, reflects the Catholic understanding of saints as intercessors (CCC 956). Joseph’s life shows how extraordinary gifts can both challenge and enrich a community. His legacy continues to inspire devotion, particularly among those facing academic or personal struggles.

Canonization and Legacy

Joseph’s canonization in 1767 was the result of rigorous investigation. The Church conducted inquiries from 1664 to 1695, collecting testimonies from those who witnessed his levitations and virtues. Hagiographers like Roberto Nuti documented his life, emphasizing his humility and obedience. The process confirmed his heroic virtue, a key criterion for sainthood (CCC 828). His levitations, while notable, were secondary to his spiritual life. Canonized by Pope Clement XIII, he became the patron saint of aviators, astronauts, students, and those with mental disabilities. His feast day, September 18, is celebrated widely, particularly in Cupertino and Osimo, Italy. His life inspired works like the 1962 film The Reluctant Saint, which dramatizes his struggles and miracles. Today, he is invoked by students facing exams, reflecting his own academic challenges. His legacy underscores the Catholic belief that God works through human weakness.

Scientific Theories and Catholic Critique

Some scientists and skeptics propose that Joseph’s levitations could be explained by quantum mechanical phenomena, such as the Casimir force, which involves short-range interactions between particles. However, these theories are speculative, as such forces operate at microscopic scales and cannot account for a human body defying gravity. Others suggest psychological conditions, like dissociative states, but these fail to explain the consistent eyewitness accounts across decades. The Catholic Church does not dismiss scientific inquiry but insists that miracles transcend natural explanations (CCC 159). Joseph’s levitations occurred in varied settings, often in public, making staged performances unlikely. The Church’s canonization process considers such objections, requiring evidence of the supernatural. Critics argue that explaining miracles scientifically diminishes their significance, but Catholics maintain that miracles point to God’s power, not human ability. Joseph’s case challenges materialist assumptions about reality. The Church encourages a balanced approach, neither gullible nor dismissive. His levitations remain a point of dialogue between faith and science.

Patronage and Modern Relevance

As patron saint of aviators and astronauts, Joseph’s association with flight is fitting given his levitations. His patronage extends to students and those with mental disabilities, reflecting his own struggles with learning. In a world increasingly reliant on technology, his life reminds Catholics of the primacy of spiritual life. His levitations, while extraordinary, point to the deeper truth of God’s presence in human weakness. Students invoke him during exams, inspired by his miraculous passing of his ordination tests. Aviators and astronauts see him as a protector, given his “flights” in prayer. The Catechism emphasizes that saints intercede for specific needs (CCC 2683). Joseph’s relevance lies in his example of perseverance and trust in God. His life encourages believers to embrace their limitations with faith. He remains a symbol of hope for those facing intellectual or societal challenges.

Cultural and Historical Context

Joseph lived during the Catholic Reformation, a time of renewed spiritual fervor and scrutiny of mystical phenomena. The Church sought to distinguish true miracles from superstition or demonic influence. Levitation was not uncommon in hagiographies of the period, with figures like St. Teresa of Ávila also reporting such experiences. The Franciscan order, with its emphasis on poverty and mysticism, provided a fertile ground for such phenomena. Joseph’s life coincided with the Baroque era, when art and spirituality often emphasized the dramatic and supernatural. His levitations were seen as signs of divine favor in a world grappling with religious conflict. The Church’s cautious response, including his confinement, reflects the era’s tension between enthusiasm and discipline. His story resonated with the poor, who saw him as a humble figure exalted by God. This context shaped how his miracles were perceived and recorded. His life remains a window into the spiritual dynamics of his time.

Lessons from His Humility

Joseph’s humility is a central theme of his life. Despite his extraordinary gifts, he sought no attention and often hid after levitating. He described himself as an “ass” and accepted harsh treatment without complaint. His obedience to his superiors, even when confined, reflects the Catholic virtue of submission to authority (CCC 2238). He wore iron chains and fasted rigorously, practices common among saints seeking to unite with Christ’s suffering (Philippians 3:10). His humility countered the temptation to pride, which could arise from such visible gifts. The Church teaches that humility is the foundation of all virtues (CCC 1832). Joseph’s life shows that God’s grace shines through human weakness. His example challenges believers to prioritize spiritual growth over worldly acclaim. His humility remains a model for Catholics seeking holiness.

Spiritual Practices and Devotion

Joseph’s life was marked by intense prayer and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He promoted Marian devotion among all classes, reflecting the Catholic emphasis on Mary as intercessor (CCC 971). His ecstasies often occurred when contemplating Christ or Mary, suggesting a deep mystical connection. He lived the Sermon on the Mount, embracing poverty and meekness (Matthew 5:3-5). His fasting and penances were acts of self-denial, aligning with Catholic asceticism (CCC 1434). These practices deepened his union with God, which the Church sees as the source of his miracles. His devotion inspired others, particularly the poor, who saw him as accessible despite his gifts. Catholics today can draw from his example of prayerful simplicity. His life shows that holiness is attainable through ordinary means like prayer and sacrifice. Devotion to him encourages perseverance in faith.

Challenges of Public Perception

Joseph’s levitations created a paradox: they drew people to faith but also invited skepticism and ridicule. Crowds treated him like a spectacle, comparing his flights to a circus act. His superiors worried that the attention detracted from the Franciscan mission. The Church teaches that extraordinary gifts should lead to God, not the individual (CCC 801). Joseph’s embarrassment at his levitations shows his desire to avoid pride. The public’s fascination reflects a human tendency to focus on the sensational over the spiritual. His confinement by the Church was an attempt to refocus attention on his holiness. This tension highlights the challenge of balancing charisms with humility. Today, his story invites reflection on how Catholics respond to extraordinary phenomena. It underscores the need to seek God beyond the miraculous.

Comparison with Biblical Miracles

Joseph’s levitations recall biblical accounts of miracles, such as Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14:25-33). Both events challenge natural laws and point to divine power. The Catechism notes that miracles in scripture confirm God’s authority (CCC 547). Joseph’s levitations, like Jesus’s miracles, were signs meant to inspire faith. Unlike Jesus, whose miracles often served others directly, Joseph’s were personal expressions of ecstasy. Yet, both reflect the Catholic belief that God intervenes in the material world. The apostles’ awe at Jesus’s miracles parallels the crowds’ reaction to Joseph. His life suggests that miracles continue beyond biblical times, a belief central to Catholicism (CCC 156). Comparing the two highlights the continuity of divine action. Joseph’s miracles invite believers to trust in God’s presence today.

Influence on Modern Spirituality

Joseph’s life speaks to modern Catholics facing doubt or intellectual challenges. His academic struggles resonate with students, while his levitations inspire awe at God’s power. The Church encourages devotion to saints as models of faith (CCC 828). Joseph’s perseverance shows that holiness is not reserved for the gifted but is open to all. His patronage of aviators connects his miracles to modern technology, symbolizing the harmony of faith and progress. His life challenges the materialist worldview that dismisses the supernatural. Catholics are invited to see the world as Joseph did, filled with divine possibilities. His story encourages prayer and trust in God’s plan, even in difficulty. His influence persists in devotions and patronages worldwide. He remains a reminder that God works through the humble.

Conclusion

St. Joseph of Cupertino’s levitations remain one of the most striking phenomena in Catholic hagiography. The Church views them as miracles, signs of divine favor that point to God’s power (CCC 548). Over 70 documented incidents, supported by credible witnesses, lend weight to the claims. Skeptics offer natural explanations, but the Church’s rigorous canonization process affirms their supernatural character. Joseph’s life, marked by humility and devotion, is the true miracle, surpassing his physical flights. His struggles and perseverance make him relatable to those facing challenges. As patron of aviators and students, he bridges the spiritual and practical. His story invites Catholics to trust in God’s grace, even in weakness. The Catechism teaches that saints intercede for us (CCC 956), and Joseph’s prayers continue to inspire. His life affirms that holiness, not spectacle, is the heart of faith.