GIUSEPPE da COPERTINO, saint. — Conventual Franciscan, born at Copertino (Lecce) on 17 June 1603, died at Osimo on 18 Sept. 1663. Ordained a priest in 1628. His life, filled with ecstasies, predictions, and various miracles, made him one of the most interesting figures in Christian mysticism.
Accused before the Holy Office of Naples (1638) because of what was taking place around him, he was declared completely innocent; but, in order to prevent possible popular abuses, it was decided to send him to an isolated convent.
On 25 Apr. 1639 he left Rome for Assisi, where he lived for more than fourteen years amid terrible spiritual trials, harsh penances, and mortifications, but at the same time amid spiritual consolations and charisms. During this period he met the Servant of God Maria Infanta of Savoy, Prince Casimiro, the future king of Poland, and converted Duke Giovanni Federico of Braunschweig - Lüneburg to the faith (1649-50). On 23 July 1653 a new intervention by the Holy Office removed him also from Assisi. He had to go to the Capuchin mountain convent at Pietrarubbia (Macerata); from there, after three months, to the Capuchins of Fossombrone, and only on 6 July 1657 was he permitted to return among his Conventual confrères at Osimo. The prodigies that had accompanied him at Pietrarubbia, multiplying at Fossombrone (1653-57), continued at Osimo until his death. He was beatified by Benedict XIV on 24 Feb. 1753 and canonized by Clement XIII on 16 July 1767. Feast day 18 Sept., extended to the entire Church by Clement XIV. Some religious songs and brief sayings collected by his biographers are attributed to him.