Safeguarding Saints’ Days: St Joseph Cupertino, the Special Needs Saint!
Today is the Feast Day of St Joseph Cupertino (1603-1663). He came from such a poor family that he was born in a stable – like Jesus! Growing up he had ecstatic religious visions and made frequent outbursts and sudden leaps and levitations. This behaviour continued throughout his life and caused him to be ostracised for a time from the religious communities he joined, as they found him too ‘disruptive’. Today, he is venerated as a Patron Saint of people who are neuro-diverse, have learning difficulties or other special needs.
Not only does this make him one of our ‘Safeguarding Saints’ – but the Diocese of Leeds Cupertino Group is also named after him. Fr Frank Smith describes what the Group is all about …
THE CUPERTINO GROUP
‘Very simply, we are a group of people who meet once a month to celebrate Mass together with our children who have learning or sensory difficulties. All are welcome. If any child feels like being silent, making a noise, shouting out or screaming, that’s wonderful – the Lord receives it all and turns it into praise and no one in the church is judging.
There are sensory devices and ear defenders if required and musical instruments for the children to use at the final hymn. Some of our families have stayed away from church for various reasons but through experiencing our celebrations together, our hope is that they will become far more comfortable and attend their own parish Masses and community too.
Following our Mass we gather in the hall for crafts centred around the liturgical season – and for tea, coffee and cakes. This is also a great opportunity for parents to talk together and gain confidence and support from each other.
We are now into our third year and blessed to have the intercessions of Our Lady Undoer of Knots and St Joseph Cupertino to back us up!!’
The next Cupertino Mass will be at 3pm on Sunday 29 September 2024 at St Joseph’s Wetherby.
To find out more about the Cupertino Group, please contact Rosie via 07891 951949 or Fr Frank Smith on 01729 822 525.
St Joseph Cupertino: pray for us!
Reporting Safeguarding Concerns: If you have information of a safeguarding nature where a child or adult at risk is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention call emergency services on 999. Diocese of Leeds Safeguarding can be contacted in confidence by email via Safeguarding@dioceseofleeds.org.uk or speak to our Safeguarding Team on 0113 2618046. Anyone who brings concerns or allegations to the notice of the Church will be responded to sensitively, respectfully and seriously. All concerns and allegations will be addressed using the Church’s national procedures and in a timely manner. The Catholic Safeguarding Standard Agency (CSSA) can also be contacted on 0207 901 1920 or via email at admin@catholicsafeguarding.org.uk
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