St. Joseph of Cupertino - a 17th century Franciscan friar from Copertino in what was then the Kingdom of Naples - was not a very good student. He struggled with his studies and life in general from his childhood onward. Many people around him called him "the Gaper" - a nasty nickname based on Joseph's tendency to stare into the air before him. Joseph's biographical webpage provides further details on his life.
Students sometimes struggle with their school work
This webpage brings attention to one particular point about St. Joseph. He is the patron saint of students. The above slide show and reading of the Prayer to St. Joseph of Cupertino for Students by Friar Martin Breski underscores the saint's understanding of academic struggle. Many students study for hours and have tutors, but still do not manage to succeed in their classes. The lesson St. Joseph of Cupertino wants us to take away is that perseverance really pays off, no matter how great the odds against a person might be.
