Joseph is most famous for levitating at prayer.
Already as a child, Joseph showed a fondness for prayer. After a
short career with the Capuchins, he joined the Conventuals. Following a brief
assignment caring for the friary mule, Joseph began his studies for the
priesthood. Though studies were very difficult for him, Joseph gained a great
deal of knowledge from prayer. He was ordained in 1628.
Joseph’s tendency to levitate during prayer was sometimes a cross;
some people came to see this much as they might have gone to a circus sideshow.
Joseph’s gift led him to be humble, patient and obedient, even though at times
he was greatly tempted and felt forsaken by God. He fasted and wore iron chains
for much of his life.
The friars transferred Joseph several times for his own good and
for the good of the rest of the community. He was reported to and investigated
by the Inquisition; the examiners exonerated him.
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