Saint Felix of Nola

Biography

Saint Felix of Nola, also known as Felix the Martyr, Felix of Inpincis, Felice, Flin, was the elder son of Hermias, a Syrian soldier who had retired to Nola, Italy. Following his father's death, Felix decided to sell off most of his property and possessions and give the proceeds to the poor. He pursued a clerical vocation and was ordained by and worked alongside Saint Maximus of Nola. During the persecution of Decius, when Saint Maximus fled to the mountains in order to escape, Felix was arrested and brutally beaten for his unwavering faith. However, legend tells us that an angel intervened and freed Felix, so that he could attend to his sick and injured bishop. Felix courageously hid Maximus from the pursuing soldiers in a vacant building. To their astonishment, a spider quickly spun a web over the entrance, creating the illusion that the place was long abandoned. The imperial forces, deceived by this clever ruse, believed the Christians had already fled, and they departed without discovering the hidden believers. Felix and Maximus managed to elude the authorities until the persecution ended with the death of Decius in 251. After the passing of Saint Maximus, Felix was chosen as the bishop of Nola. However, he humbly declined this honor, suggesting that Quintus, a senior priest who had seven days more experience than Felix, be appointed instead. Felix dedicated himself to tending his remaining land and generously donated most of its proceeds to those who were even less fortunate than himself. Much of our limited knowledge about Saint Felix comes from the letters and poetry of Saint Paulinus of Nola. Saint Paulinus served as a porter at the door of a church dedicated to Saint Felix and diligently collected information about him from churchmen and pilgrims. Although Saint Felix did not die as a result of martyrdom, he is commonly regarded as a martyr due to the torture, imprisonment, and hardships he endured during the persecutions. His representation includes symbols such as cobwebs, a deacon in prison, a spiderweb, a young priest carrying the elderly Maximus on his shoulders, a young priest chained in prison with a pitcher and potsherds nearby, a young priest with a bunch of grapes (symbolizing his care for the aged Maximus), and a young priest with an angel removing his chains. Born in the 3rd century in Nola, near Naples, Italy, Saint Felix passed away around 255 from natural causes. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Nola, where his tomb became a revered pilgrimage site for many centuries. Saint Felix was canonized before the establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Saint Felix is recognized as the patron saint against eye disease, eye trouble, false witness, lies, perjury, and is also invoked for the well-being of domestic animals. Moreover, he is venerated as the patron saint of Nola, Italy. In summary, Saint Felix of Nola was an exemplar of compassion and humility, willingly sacrificing his own possessions and enduring great hardships for the sake of others. His unwavering faith and selfless acts of service continue to inspire people around the world.