Felicitas of Rome
Felicitas of Rome is a Christian martyr venerated in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. While little is known for certain about her life, legend identifies her as the mother of seven martyrs whose feast is celebrated on July 10. She is chiefly remembered for her martyrdom and her association with these seven sons.
- Feast Day
- January 25
- Century
- 2nd century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Felicitas of Rome is recognized as a Christian martyr.
- ›Her burial place is definitively known to be the Cemetery of Maximus on the Via Salaria.
- ›A legend associates her as the mother of seven martyrs whose feast is observed on July 10.
- ›The Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates their martyrdom on January 25.
- ›Her feast day was first mentioned in the 'Martyrologium Hieronymianum' as January 25.
- ›This Felicitas is distinct from the North African Felicitas martyred with Perpetua.
Felicity
About Felicitas of Rome
Felicitas of Rome, also anglicized as Felicity, is recognized as a Christian martyr. Her historical record is sparse, with the most certain fact being her burial in the Cemetery of Maximus on the Via Salaria in Rome, noted for a November 23rd date.
Legend and Association with Seven Martyrs
A significant aspect of her veneration stems from a legend that presents her as the mother of seven martyrs. The feast day for these seven martyrs is celebrated on July 10th. The Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates their martyrdom on January 25th. The legend details Felicitas as a devout widow who, with her seven sons, refused to renounce Christianity when ordered to sacrifice to pagan gods by Emperor Marcus Aurelius. According to the story, she witnessed the martyrdom of each of her sons before suffering her own death, praying not to die before them so she could encourage them.
Historical Context and Veneration
The feast of Saint Felicitas of Rome was first mentioned in the "Martyrologium Hieronymianum" as being celebrated on January 25th. This date was significant in the Roman Church, as evidenced by Saint Gregory the Great delivering a homily in the basilica above her tomb on that day. Her remains were interred in the catacombs of Maximus on the Via Salaria. Some of her relics are now housed in churches in Montefiascone and Rome.
Historical Uncertainty and Origin of Legend
Scholarly examination has cast doubt on the direct historical accuracy of the legend of Felicitas as the mother of the seven martyrs celebrated on July 10th. The earliest known texts detailing this account do not predate the sixth century and may have originated from a Greek original rather than a Roman Latin text. Notably, Felicitas's name does not appear in the well-known fourth-century Roman calendar. It is posited that the proximity of Saint Felicitas's tomb to that of Saint Silvanus, one of the seven martyrs, may have led to the tradition of identifying them as her sons. The legend of Saint Symphorosa bears striking similarities, suggesting a possible confusion or even an identity between the two figures.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is known for certain about Felicitas of Rome?
The only definitively known facts about Felicitas of Rome are her name, that she was a Christian martyr, and that she was buried in the Cemetery of Maximus on the Via Salaria. Her approximate dates of life are c. 101 – 165.
What is the legend associated with Felicitas of Rome?
The legend states that Felicitas was a rich and pious Christian widow with seven sons. She and her sons were martyred under Emperor Marcus Aurelius, with Felicitas encouraging her sons through their torture and death before suffering her own martyrdom.
When is the feast day of Felicitas of Rome?
The feast day of Saint Felicitas of Rome is celebrated on January 25. The Eastern Orthodox Church also commemorates her martyrdom and that of the seven sons on January 25, while their joint feast day is traditionally celebrated on July 10.
Is Felicitas of Rome the same as Felicitas martyred with Perpetua?
No, Felicitas of Rome is not the same as the North African Felicitas who was martyred alongside Perpetua. They are distinct individuals.
Where is Felicitas of Rome buried?
Felicitas of Rome is buried in the Cemetery of Maximus, located on the Via Salaria in Rome. Her tomb was later enlarged into a subterranean chapel.
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