Saint Felix of Nola
Stored in Cargo: Saint Felix of Nola
| Saint Felix of Nola | |
| Feast Day | January 14 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Domestic animals, spiders, against lies, eye diseases, false witnesses |
| Birthplace | Nola, near Naples, Roman Empire (now Italy) |
| Death Place | Nola, Roman Empire (now Italy) |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | Nola Cathedral, Nola, Italy |
Saint Felix of Nola was a 3rd-century Christian priest born in Nola, near Naples, Italy, to Hermias, a retired Syrian soldier who had served in the Roman army. After inheriting his father’s estate, Felix chose a path of generosity, selling most of his property and distributing the proceeds to the poor, before being ordained by Saint Maximus, the Bishop of Nola. His life took a dramatic turn during the Decian persecution of 250 AD, when he was arrested, tortured, and imprisoned in place of Maximus, who had fled. Miraculously freed by an angel, Felix rescued Maximus, hiding him with the aid of a spider’s web that concealed their location from soldiers. After the persecution ended, he declined the bishopric and lived humbly as a farmer until his death around 260 AD.
Though some traditions suggest martyrdom under Emperor Valerian, Felix is officially recognized as a confessor who endured persecution without dying for it. His tomb in Nola became a site of miracles, documented by Saint Paulinus of Nola, who later adopted him as a patron saint. Celebrated on January 14, Felix’s legacy endures as a symbol of charity, resilience, and divine protection, earning him patronage over domestic animals, spiders, and those seeking truth and healing from eye ailments.
Biography
Birth
Saint Felix of Nola was born in the early 3rd century in Nola, a Roman colony near Naples, Italy, to Hermias, a Syrian who had retired from the Roman army as a centurion. The exact date of his birth remains uncertain due to sparse records from that era. His birthplace in Nola positioned him in a bustling region of the Roman Empire, setting the stage for his later life of faith and service.
Early Life
Little is documented about Felix’s childhood, though he grew up on his father’s estate, likely enjoying a comfortable upbringing due to Hermias’s military status. After his father’s death, Felix faced a pivotal choice: he sold most of his inherited property, choosing to distribute the wealth to the poor rather than pursue a life of secular comfort. This act of charity marked the beginning of his spiritual journey, leading him to seek ordination under Bishop Maximus of Nola.
Occupation
Before fully committing to religious life, Felix was poised to manage his father’s estate, a role that could have secured him a prosperous secular career. After ordination, he served as a priest under Maximus, assisting with pastoral duties during a time of growing Christian persecution. Later, following the trials of the Decian persecution, Felix took up farming on a small plot, using his labor to support himself and aid the needy with his harvest.
Vocation
Felix’s vocation crystallized when he was ordained by Saint Maximus, becoming a key figure in the Nola diocese. His faith was tested during the Decian persecution of 250 AD, when Maximus fled and Felix endured arrest and torture in his stead. After his miraculous escape and the subsequent rescue of Maximus, Felix’s dedication to charity and humility shone through as he declined the bishopric, opting instead for a simple life of service to God and the poor.
Death
Saint Felix met his end around 260 AD in Nola, dying peacefully of natural causes according to most accounts, though some traditions suggest he may have faced martyrdom under Emperor Valerian. His death marked the close of a life defined by resilience and generosity, leaving behind a legacy that drew pilgrims to his tomb. There, miracles were reported, cementing his reputation as a holy figure whose faith had triumphed over adversity.
Significant events
- Assisted Bishop Maximus during the Decian persecution in 250 AD.
- Miraculously escaped prison and hid Maximus, aided by an angel and a spider.
- Declined the bishopric of Nola in favor of Quintus, choosing a life of simplicity.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Nola, near Naples, Roman Empire (now Italy)
Death location: Nola, Roman Empire (now Italy)
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Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize Felix as a Servant of God did not exist in the formalized sense during his lifetime; his veneration began organically after his death in Nola.
Venerable
Felix was not declared Venerable, as this title emerged later in Church history; his sanctity was affirmed through early Christian tradition instead.
Beatification
Beatification as a distinct step was not applicable in Felix’s era; his recognition as a saint grew from popular devotion rather than a formal process.
Canonization
Canonized pre-Congregation, Felix’s sainthood was established by early Church acclaim, based on his life of faith, reported miracles, and status as a confessor.
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
No specific miracle is tied to a formal beatification, as this process did not exist during Felix’s time; his veneration stemmed from his life and posthumous miracles.
Miracle for canonization
Canonization in Felix’s era did not require a documented miracle; his sainthood was affirmed by his endurance as a confessor and miracles at his tomb.
Other notable miracles
- An angel freed him from prison, guiding him to rescue Maximus. - A spider wove a web to conceal Felix and Maximus from pursuing soldiers. - Found grapes in a bush out of season to revive the starving Maximus.
Patronage
Saint Felix of Nola is the patron saint of domestic animals, spiders, and against lies, eye diseases, and false witnesses.
Feast day
The feast day of Saint Felix of Nola is celebrated on January 14.
Veneration
Saint Felix is venerated through prayers for protection and healing, especially from eye diseases, and pilgrimages to Nola Cathedral, where his relics are kept alongside portions in Rome and Benevento. He has been depicted in artworks, notably in writings by Saint Paulinus of Nola, who chronicled his life in poetry. His shrines remain significant for local devotion, influencing traditions of charity and animal blessings.
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
- No known writings by Saint Felix survive.