Saint Joseph of Cupertino, born Giuseppe Maria Desa in Cupertino, Italy on 17 June 1603, was a Franciscan saint known for his mystical ecstasies, supernatural gifts and deep devotion to God. Despite a difficult start marked by a childhood marked by poverty and difficulties at school, Joseph overcame many obstacles thanks to his unshakeable faith and love for Christ.

From an early age, Joseph showed a keen interest in prayer and the spiritual life. However, his frequent ecstasies and divine visions often made him distracted and inattentive to his daily tasks. These mystical experiences attracted the attention of those close to him, but also provoked criticism and misunderstandings within the community.

As a result of his frequent ecstasies and his difficulty in concentrating on his studies, Joseph encountered many academic difficulties. Despite this, his determination to follow God's call drove him to persevere in his studies and pursue his religious vocation. After many attempts, he was finally ordained a Franciscan priest in 1628.

As a priest, Joseph of Cupertino continued to experience mystical ecstasies and manifest extraordinary gifts, including levitation, clairvoyance and the gift of prophecy. These supernatural phenomena, though baffling to some, attract many faithful in search of healing, spiritual guidance and miracles.

Despite the trials and misunderstandings he encountered throughout his life, St Joseph of Cupertino remained humble, obedient and faithful to his vocation. His life is a living testimony to the power of faith, divine grace and God's providence in the life of a man who, despite his weaknesses and imperfections, became a channel of grace and blessing for many.

He died on 18 September 1663 in Osimo, Italy, and was canonised in 1767 by Pope Clement XIII. Today, Saint Joseph of Cupertino is venerated as a model of devotion, humility and trust in divine providence, and is especially invoked by students, examiners and those seeking divine interventions in their studies and exams.