September 18: The Feast Day of St. Joseph of Cupertino - Patron Saint of Pilots, Astronauts, and Airplane Passengers
St. Joseph of Cupertino
Flying on an airplane is a relative commonality in countries such as the United States and Canada where vast distances are covered more quickly by flight. This mode of transportation is also very safe. And yet many of us suffer great discomfort when the airplane we are sitting on starts speeding down the runway and eventually lifts up into the air. That sense of being thousands of feet above the ground leaves us helpless.
Fortunately, the Conventual Franciscan St. Joseph of Cupertino (1603 - 1663) is the patron saint of pilots, astronauts, and airline passengers. We celebrate his feast day on September 18. Joseph's connection to persons flying in aircraft or going into space comes from the fact that he was known to soar into the air himself. As his biography indicates, Joseph faced many challenges in his life because of a learning disability. These challenges made living as a member of a community often difficult. But Joseph's love for God was complete. Readings from the Bible, the sound of a church bell, even the mention of Jesus sent Joseph into states of deep prayerful reflection. It was during these moments that Joseph began to levitate and then soar through the air.
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