Prayer to Saint Joseph of Cupertino
Saint Joseph of Cupertino (1603–1663) is the patron saint of students and exams. He himself struggled with learning, but the Lord’s providence sustained him in all his needs, and he was able to become a priest. Find on Hozana all the patron saints with their various roles and the prayers to offer them in all difficult situations!
A Powerful Prayer to Saint Joseph of Cupertino for Students and Exams
“O Saint Joseph of Cupertino,
Who loves to show favor to those who turn to you, I come to implore your help for this exam I must take.
Despite my hard work and good will, I fear I may become flustered and be unable to answer properly.
Remember that you faced the same difficulty and that, through obedience and the powerful protection of your spiritual father, you emerged from it providentially.
Do the same for me: grant me confidence in my answers and give my mind alertness and quickness.
I ask this of you for the sake of Jesus, Mary, and Saint Francis, whose child and faithful servant you were.
I place my trust in you, most holy patron of exams, and I am convinced that my hope will not be disappointed.
Amen ”
Anecdotes about Joseph of Cupertino
How did he pass the entrance exam for minor orders?
Joseph was 24 years old and longed to become a religious. Though devout from a very young age, he struggled greatly with learning and could barely read or write. He could not comment on any part of the Gospel except for one passage: “While he was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” (Luke 11:27)
When Bishop Jérôme de Franchis of Nardo administered the entrance exam for minor orders, he chose the topic by opening the Bible at random. The bishop happened to land precisely on this verse from the Gospel of Luke. To the surprise of the audience, the young Joseph offered a brilliant commentary and thus passed the exam.
How did he pass the exam for admission to the priesthood?
In 1628, Joseph was a deacon and applied to become a priest. The day of the exam arrived, and Bishop de Castro, chairman of the examination committee, listened to the first candidates. They performed excellently, and the bishop, impressed, decided to admit all subsequent candidates, assuming they would be equally outstanding. Joseph was therefore exempted from the exam, which would certainly have been difficult for him, and was ordained a priest on March 4, 1628.
Novena to Saint Joseph of Cupertino Before an Exam
Daily Prayer of the Novena
“Saint Joseph of Cupertino, pray for us, that we may walk with faith and determination on the path of holiness and love of God.
Amen.”
First Day
“O Glorious Saint Joseph of Cupertino, you who overcame academic and spiritual challenges through unshakable faith, intercede for us before God. Guide us in our quest for wisdom and humility, and help us persevere in our studies and exams.”
Second Day
“Faith: Saint Joseph, model of faith, help us to believe firmly in divine providence and in God’s grace in our lives. Strengthen our faith, so that we may overcome the doubts and obstacles that arise along our path.”
Day Three
“Prayer: O Saint Joseph of Cupertino, you who found strength and consolation in prayer, teach us to pray with confidence and devotion. Help us to build an intimate relationship with God through daily prayer and meditation on His Word.”
Fourth Day
“Humility: Saint Joseph, model of humility, help us to recognize our weaknesses and limitations. Inspire us to embrace humility as a fundamental virtue, and guide us toward the true greatness that lies in service and selfless love.”
Fifth Day
“Perseverance: O Saint Joseph of Cupertino, you who persevered despite obstacles, strengthen our will and our determination. Help us to remain faithful to our commitments and to courageously pursue our studies and responsibilities.”
Sixth Day
“Wisdom: Saint Joseph, source of divine wisdom, enlighten our minds and hearts. Grant us the grace to understand eternal truths and to apply them in our daily lives, always seeking God’s will.”
Seventh Day
“Charity: O Saint Joseph of Cupertino, model of charity, inspire us to love God and our neighbor with all our hearts. Help us to show God’s love through our actions and words, always seeking the good of others.”
Eighth Day
“Protection: Saint Joseph, protector of students and examiners, watch over us and our studies. Protect us from distractions and temptations, and intercede for us before God to obtain the grace of success and perseverance.”
Ninth Day
“The Intercession of Saint Joseph: O Glorious Saint Joseph of Cupertino, you who have been a powerful intercessor for so many people, pray for us. Plead with the Lord to hear our prayers and supplications, and help us to live according to His will every day of our lives.”
Pray with Hozana to entrust every area of your life into the Lord’s hands!
- Discover the . For 9 days, you’ll receive a daily prayer for students so they may place their trust in Christ and be supported during their studies!
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- Pray this ! Despite chaotic life journeys, all young people have something to contribute to society. Sometimes all it takes is a simple turning point to set them back on the right path—that is the goal of these 9 days of prayer!
