St. Felix of Cantalice

St. Felix of Cantalice (1515–1587), a humble Capuchin friar, was known for his joyful spirit and charity. As a lay brother in Rome, he collected alms and served the poor with love. Canonized in 1712, he is honored as a saint of simplicity and devotion.

St. Felix of Cantalice was born in 1515 in the small village of Cantalice, located in the Papal States of Italy. Coming from a poor farming family, Felix was familiar with the hardships of rural life. His early years were marked by labor as a shepherd and farmhand, which instilled in him both humility and resilience—qualities that would shape his later spiritual path.

At the age of 28, drawn by a desire to live a life closer to God, he joined the Capuchin Franciscans as a lay brother. Unlike ordained priests, lay brothers did not perform sacramental duties but lived in community, contributing through practical work and spiritual devotion. From the beginning of his life with the friars, Felix demonstrated exceptional simplicity and piety. He embraced poverty with joy and spent much of his time in prayer, often displaying a childlike trust in divine providence.

Felix was assigned to the Capuchin friary in Rome, where he spent over 40 years serving as the community’s official alms collector. With a large sack over his shoulder, he walked the streets of Rome daily, begging not for himself, but for the friars and the poor. His signature phrase, “Deo Gratias” (Thanks be to God), became so closely associated with him that the people of Rome began calling him “Brother Deo Gratias.”

Despite lacking formal education, Felix possessed deep spiritual insight and became a source of inspiration and wisdom for many, including notable contemporaries such as St. Philip Neri. His spiritual guidance was sought by both the poor and the elite of Rome. He never hesitated to speak truth with love and humility, and his life of simplicity served as a powerful witness in a city often marked by material excess.

Felix was deeply devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and frequently prayed the Rosary. He also had a special affection for children, often teaching them to pray and blessing them on the streets. His gentle and joyful nature drew people to him, and stories of his miraculous healings and prophetic insights spread widely.

Felix passed away on May 18, 1587. Miracles attributed to his intercession led to his beatification and eventual canonization in 1712 by Pope Clement XI. He was the first Capuchin friar to be canonized as a saint, and his life continues to be a beacon of humble service and faithfulness. He is considered the patron saint of Rome, children, and even spaghetti-makers—a nod to his down-to-earth and joy-filled ministry.

Felix's body is venerated at the Church of Our Lady of Peace in Rome, where pilgrims continue to visit, inspired by the simple yet profound life of a man who found greatness in humility and holiness in everyday acts of love.

Feast Day

18-5-

Birth Date

-5-1515

Died Date

18-5-1587

Canonised Date

--1712

Church of Our Lady of Peace, Rome, Italy

O God, who gave St. Felix the grace of deep humility and tireless charity, grant that by his intercession and example, we too may serve You joyfully and love You with all our hearts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
ST. FELIX OF CANTALICE

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ST. FELIX OF CANTALICE

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