Throughout Church history, God has granted extraordinary gifts to His saints, including the miracle of levitation, a visible sign of deep union with the divine that defies the laws of nature. Here are six remarkable saints known for this phenomenon, inspiring awe and greater faith worldwide:
1. St. Joseph of Cupertino (1603–1663) — The most famous “flying saint.” This humble Franciscan was often lifted high into the air during Mass, prayer, or at the mention of Jesus’ name. Witnesses recorded over 70 instances, making him patron of pilots and air travelers.
2. St. Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582) — Doctor of the Church and Carmelite reformer. She experienced levitations during mystical rapture, sometimes rising about half a meter off the ground for extended periods, which she described with both wonder and embarrassment.
3. St. Francis of Assisi (1181–1226) — Founder of the Franciscans. Accounts describe him suspended in the air, often several feet high, during intense prayer and ecstasy.
4. St. Catherine of Siena (1347–1380) — Mystic and Doctor of the Church. She was seen levitating while in prayer, with one priest witnessing the Eucharist miraculously reaching her.
5. St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696–1787) — Founder of the Redemptorists and Doctor of the Church. He was observed levitating several feet while preaching to a congregation.
6. St. Mary of Jesus Crucified (Mariam Baouardy) (1846–1878) — Palestinian mystic canonized in 2015. This modern saint levitated on multiple occasions as a sign of her profound love for God.
These miracles remind us that nothing is impossible with God. They point not to the saints themselves, but to the supernatural reality of holiness and the power of prayer. In a world skeptical of the divine, these stories invite us to deeper faith and trust in God’s wonders.
Who are some cool ones that you know about?