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Center for Catholic Education at UD

St. Joseph of Cupertino

There is an old story about St. Joseph of Cupertino which may provide some relief to students this finals week. Joseph was a Franciscan in the 1600s and is known as the the patron of studiers and pilots which makes him the perfect patron of flyers during finals. Joseph was born to a peasant family and had no real opportunity for education, but was able to learn one Bible passage, Luke 6:27. During the exam to enter the Franciscans the superior was to ask him one question, and if he could answer correctly he would be allowed to enter the order. Terrified that he would fail the test, he prayed that he would be only asked a question to which he knew the answer. When the test began the superior asked him for a homily on the only passage of the Bible known to Joseph, Luke 6:27. With the help of God, Joseph passed his exam and entered religious life. This exam week we ask that under the patronage of the of test takers and flyers we can prevail in our studies and our tests.

O Great St. Joseph of Cupertino who while on earth did obtain from God the grace to be asked at your examination only the questions you knew, obtain for me a like favour in the examinations for which I am now preparing. In return I promise to make you known and cause you to be invoked. Through Christ our Lord. St. Joseph of Cupertino, Pray for us. Amen.

Written by: Joe Twiner

Edited by: Emma Francois

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