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Saint Joseph of Copertino
An incredible Franciscan saint (1603-1663), most famous for his miracles, levitations and severe penances. He spoke with animals and could smell the stench of sin in penitents. The devil said of him, "Friar Joseph is the worst foe we have." 168 pgs, PB
158 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1753
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About the author
Angelo Pastrovicchi
8 booksThe Rev. Father Angelo Pastrovicchi, O.M.C., was a priest and author of the eighteenth century. His biography on St. Joseph of Copertino was published in 1918 by the B. Herder Book Company, Missouri. While originally written in 1753, Father Pastrovicchi's work was also printed by TAN in 1980 with the Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur. It documents St. Joseph's remarkable life, including his severe penances, love of holy things, and frequent instances of levitation.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 19, 2018
What a life! Basically if you think of any spiritual fruit - this guy had it! A model for sure!
September 28, 2020
88/100 (= 5.2/6) ≈ 5 Stars
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A superbly written, very spiritual, but much too short account of an incredible saint. Lots of St. Joseph's actual words are quoted, which helps tons to get a profound glimpse into his soul.
The other more comprehensive biographies which were cited as references would almost certainly be worthwhile. You can till this book is just the tip of an iceberg - it serves as an excellent introduction. God be praised in His angels and in His saints!
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A superbly written, very spiritual, but much too short account of an incredible saint. Lots of St. Joseph's actual words are quoted, which helps tons to get a profound glimpse into his soul.
The other more comprehensive biographies which were cited as references would almost certainly be worthwhile. You can till this book is just the tip of an iceberg - it serves as an excellent introduction. God be praised in His angels and in His saints!
February 10, 2025
Saint Joseph of Copertino was an Italian mystic and miracle worker from the 17th century. Although born from humble origins and without any special intellectual abilities, he rose to great sanctity and was widely known and venerated in his lifetime.
One of the first miracles in his life was how he was ordained. He couldn’t remember most of his theology, but managed to memorize the interpretation of just one passage in Scripture. When the bishop gave an oral examination to the seminarians before ordination, he asked Saint Joseph a question about this very passage.
He was ordained a priest of the Conventual Franciscan order and spent most of the rest of his life at the monastery in Assisi, then later in Osimo where he died.
During his life he was privileged with regular ecstasies and visions, during which he frequently levitated in the air. When he celebrated Mass he often levitated and would pause while in an ecstasy, then continue Mass where he left off. The Pope himself was a witness to one of these episodes, and said that if he were still alive he would personally testify in Saint Joseph’s favor for his canonization.
He also had the gift of prophesy and discernment of spirits. He could smell a terrible stench when a person came to him in a state of sin, and revealed to others secret, hidden sins that they had not confessed. Saint Joseph knew when certain events were going to happen, or if certain people were about to die or survive from illnesses or tragedies. He even predicted the day of his own death.
His life was spent in constant prayer, mortification, and sacrifices. He considered himself the lowest of men and never complained about the least misfortune in his life, accepting everything as the will of God.
This short but charming biography is a wonderful story about a great saint, a worthy son of Saint Francis of Assisi.
One of the first miracles in his life was how he was ordained. He couldn’t remember most of his theology, but managed to memorize the interpretation of just one passage in Scripture. When the bishop gave an oral examination to the seminarians before ordination, he asked Saint Joseph a question about this very passage.
He was ordained a priest of the Conventual Franciscan order and spent most of the rest of his life at the monastery in Assisi, then later in Osimo where he died.
During his life he was privileged with regular ecstasies and visions, during which he frequently levitated in the air. When he celebrated Mass he often levitated and would pause while in an ecstasy, then continue Mass where he left off. The Pope himself was a witness to one of these episodes, and said that if he were still alive he would personally testify in Saint Joseph’s favor for his canonization.
He also had the gift of prophesy and discernment of spirits. He could smell a terrible stench when a person came to him in a state of sin, and revealed to others secret, hidden sins that they had not confessed. Saint Joseph knew when certain events were going to happen, or if certain people were about to die or survive from illnesses or tragedies. He even predicted the day of his own death.
His life was spent in constant prayer, mortification, and sacrifices. He considered himself the lowest of men and never complained about the least misfortune in his life, accepting everything as the will of God.
This short but charming biography is a wonderful story about a great saint, a worthy son of Saint Francis of Assisi.
March 21, 2023
The life of a saint. It is remarkable how well-attested are the miracles that permeated his life
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews