Today is the feast day of Saint Joseph of Cupertino, also known as the “Flying Friar.” He was an Italian Franciscan friar and mystic known for his reported miraculous levitations, being able to communicate with animals, bilocation (being in two places at once), and ability to “read souls.” At the mention or sight of almost anything holy, he would become so distracted with love that he would begin to fly. This happened so frequently other Franciscan friars would walk around with him to prevent him from floating away. St. Joseph Cupertino experienced over 70 recorded instances of rising into the air during prayer or Mass. His superiors eventually kept him secluded in private rooms for the remainder of his life because the miracles that accompanied Joseph became a distraction to both the monastery and to others who came seeking novelty….. sooo he was not allowed to offer Mass or pray in public, or even to eat his meals with his brothers. His order eventually isolated him and he had little contact with other members of his community. Finally, Father Joseph consented to isolation, and used solitude to commune with God on an even deeper level. He fell ill at the age of 60 and died on this date in 1663. Saint Joseph Cupertino, patron saint of aviation, pray for us!