Felix of Nola
Felix of Nola was a Christian priest in Nola, Italy, known for his charitable acts and steadfast faith during Roman persecutions. He sold his possessions for the poor and endured torture, surviving to live as a confessor of the faith. He is remembered for his humility, piety, and patronage of lost animals and spiders.
- Feast Day
- January 14
- Century
- 3rd century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Felix was a Christian priest at Nola near Naples, Italy.
- ›He sold his possessions to give to the poor.
- ›He was arrested and tortured for his Christian faith during the persecution of Emperor Decius.
- ›He is now listed as a Confessor of the Faith who survived his tortures.
- ›He declined to become the bishop of Nola after Maximus's death, favoring a senior priest.
- ›He is the patron saint of lost animals and spiders.
Lost Animals, Spiders
Spider Web
About Felix of Nola
Felix of Nola (died c. 260) was a Christian priest who ministered in Nola, a town near Naples in Italy. He is remembered for his profound charity, selling most of his possessions to provide for the poor, and for his steadfastness in the face of persecution.
Life and Historical Context
Born the elder son of Hermias, a retired Syrian centurion, Felix lived in Nola. Following his father's death, he embraced a clerical vocation, donating his wealth to the needy. He was ordained and served alongside Saint Maximus of Nola.
During the persecutions under the Roman Emperor Decius (r. 249–251), Bishop Maximus fled to the mountains. Felix remained and was arrested, enduring torture for his faith. Legend recounts his miraculous escape from prison, aided by an angel, so he could assist Maximus. Felix hid the ill bishop in a vacant building, and a spider's web spun across the entrance deceived the pursuing soldiers, making them believe the place was abandoned. A similar incident occurred when Felix himself hid in a ruined building, again protected by a spider's web.
Felix and Maximus remained hidden until Emperor Decius died in 251. After Maximus's death, the community wished for Felix to succeed him as bishop, but he humbly declined, suggesting a more senior priest named Quintus. Felix continued his work as a priest, farming his remaining land and distributing its proceeds to those less fortunate.
Death and Veneration
While legend assigns Felix a martyr's death, either in 255 under Emperor Valerian or during Decius's persecution, he is now officially recognized as a Confessor of the Faith. This designation signifies that he survived his tortures and lived a life of faith. According to Butler, Felix died peacefully in old age on January 14.
Much of what is known about Felix comes from the writings of Paulinus of Nola. After the periods of persecution ended, Felix lived a reclusive life in poverty until his death, remaining an "unconquered confessor of the faith."
Legacy and Relics
Five churches have been erected at or near Felix's original burial site outside the city of Nola. His relics are now housed in Nola Cathedral, with portions also kept in Rome and Benevento. A new church in Nola was dedicated in his name. People traveled from distant places to visit his tomb. He is venerated as the patron saint of lost animals and spiders, a symbol linked to his legendary escapes.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Felix of Nola?
Felix of Nola was a Christian priest in Nola, Italy, who lived during the 3rd century. He is known for his charitable giving to the poor and his steadfastness in faith during Roman persecutions.
What is Felix of Nola remembered for?
He is remembered for selling his possessions to aid the poor and for enduring torture for his Christian faith. Though legends suggested he died a martyr, he is now recognized as a confessor who survived his sufferings.
When did Felix of Nola live and die?
Felix of Nola died around 260 AD. He faced persecution during the reigns of Emperors Decius (249–251) and possibly Valerian (c. 253).
What are the legends associated with Felix of Nola?
According to legend, Felix escaped prison with the help of an angel and later hid Saint Maximus of Nola from soldiers. In both instances, a spider spun a web across the entrance, deceiving the pursuers.
What is Felix of Nola the patron saint of?
Felix of Nola is the patron saint of lost animals and spiders.
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