When St. Mary’s Church asked Cincinnati bishop Joseph Binzer to officiate at a “Blessing of Aircraft” ceremony at Grimes Field in Urbana, Ohio, Bishop Joe demonstrated remarkable faith in divine providence and flew with me in 72B to this central Ohio town. It was September 18, the feast day of a 17th-century Italian monk famous for praying so fervently that he’d levitate off the ground. So although it would be several hundred years before the rest of us — fervent or otherwise — would levitate in flying machines, Joseph of Cupertino became the patron saint of aviators.
Unusual Attitudes: Saints, Rabbits’ Feet, Garters and Boomerangs
Key Takeaways:
- Aviators throughout history, from early flyers to modern astronauts, have widely adopted a diverse range of superstitions, good luck charms, and religious traditions for safety and fortune.
- These practices span from invoking various patron saints and carrying specific objects like rabbit's feet or garters, to personal rituals performed before takeoff, and even influencing modern airline operating procedures.
- The persistence of these beliefs underscores a universal human need for a sense of control and comfort when facing the inherent risks and uncertainties of flight, regardless of technological advancements.
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