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 have sought protection and good fortune through a diverse range of patron saints, religious tokens, and ancient charms like rabbit's feet.
- From World War I pilots to modern astronauts, individuals have adopted a vast and often creative array of personal rituals, mascots, specific objects, and pre-flight routines to mitigate the inherent risks of flight.
- Even with advanced technology, superstitious practices persist among aviators and airlines, highlighting a deep-seated human desire for control and safety in a challenging environment.
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