St Felix of Cantalice was a Capuchin lay brother born in 1515 in Cantalice, Italy and died on May 18 1587 in Rome. We celebrate his feast day on May 18 every year in the Catholic Church.
Saint Felix of Cantalice Biography |
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| Date of Birth | 1515 |
|---|---|
| Country of Birth | Cantalice, Italy |
| Profession | Capuchin lay brother |
| Place of Work | Italy |
| Date of Death | May 18 1587 |
| Place of Death | Rome, Italy |
| Feast Day | May 18 |
| Beatification | Beatified by Pope Urban VIII on October 1 1625 |
| Canonization | Canonized by Pope Clement XI on May 22 1712 |
| Patron Saint of | Spello, Italy |
St Felix of Cantalice Life History
Saint Felix of Cantalice was born in 1515, in Italy to parents who were peasant farmers. There he remained for twenty years, first as a shepherd and then as a farm laborer. He developed the habit of praying while working, and he dreamed of devoting his life to God. Felix worked on the farm until he was 28 years old but had a fatal accident being trampled by oxen and run over by farm machinery but miraculously he survived unhurt.
He gave everything he owned and joined the Capuchin Order of brothers. It took several attempts because of his ill health and lack of education. He was accepted as a lay brother. After two years Felix was sent to a Capuchin monastery in Rome where he was to spend the rest of his life. He begged for food and greeted people Deyo gracias meaning thanks be to God. Over time, he became known as in town as brother Deo Grazie.
He cared much about children knowing well their need to learn more about faith, he created easy to learn canticles little Rhymes and stories and poems, and he taught them how to sing them. Felix also became known for his healing miracles, and he did by making the sign of the cross over the sick.
Among his other Grace’s was his gift of Tears. The great St. Philip Neri who was the founder of the Capuchin Order and St. Felix were friends. St. Philip referred Felix as the holiest man alive. St. Felix a simple uneducated man gave excellent advice in even the most complicated situations. Felix slept little, ate what came to hand, attended Mass every morning.
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