May 18, 2014

β›ͺ Saint Felix of Cantalice - A Big Hearted Beggar, The Capuchins First Saint

Saint Felix of Cantalice,
Pray for us!
β›ͺ Saint of the Day: May 18

β›ͺ Born: β€’ 18 May 1515 at Cantalice, Abruzzi, Italy

β›ͺ Died: β€’ 18 May 1587 at Rome, Italy β€’ So many came to his funeral that some were injured in the press to get into the church, and an extra door had to be knocked through one wall so they could exit β€’ Buried under an altar in the church of the Immaculate Conception in Rome β€’ Miracles reported at his tomb

β›ͺ Patronage: Cantalice, Italy β€’ Spello, Italy

β›ͺ Symbols: β€’ Capuchin holding the Infant Jesus in his arms β€’ With Saint Philip Neri and Saint Charles Borromeo β€’ Capuchin carrying a beggar's wallet

Saint Felix of Cantalice: The Big-Hearted Beggar

Early Life and Calling:
Born on May 18, 1515, in Cantalice, Italy, Felix Porri grew up in a simple shepherd's family. Despite his humble origins, he possessed a deep sense of compassion and kindness from a young age. As he matured, Felix felt a strong calling to dedicate his life to serving God and his fellow humans. At the age of 28, he made the life-altering decision to join the Capuchin Order, inspired by their commitment to living a life of poverty and humility in imitation of Christ.

Embracing Poverty and Simplicity:
Upon entering the Capuchin Order in 1543, Felix embraced their core values of poverty and simplicity wholeheartedly. He willingly renounced all material possessions, finding fulfillment in a life stripped of worldly distractions. Living in austere conditions, he focused his energy on prayer, contemplation, and serving those in need.

Dedication to Prayer and Contemplation:
Prayer became the cornerstone of Felix's daily life. He would spend countless hours in quiet contemplation before the Blessed Sacrament, seeking spiritual communion with God. His deep devotion and unwavering faith inspired others within the Capuchin community and beyond.

Acts of Charity and Compassion:
Despite his own poverty, Felix's heart overflowed with compassion for the less fortunate. He saw Christ in every person he encountered and felt compelled to alleviate their suffering in any way he could. Whether it was sharing his meager provisions, offering a listening ear, or providing comfort to the sick and needy, Felix's acts of charity knew no bounds.

Love for Children:
Felix had a special affection for children, recognizing their innocence and purity of heart. He would often spend time with them, telling stories of Jesus and teaching them about God's boundless love. His gentle demeanor and warm smile endeared him to the youngest members of the community, who looked up to him as a father figure.

Reputation for Holiness:
Felix's exemplary life and unwavering faith earned him a reputation as a saintly figure within the Capuchin Order. His humility, compassion, and selflessness touched the lives of all who knew him. Many sought his counsel and prayers, believing him to be a channel of God's grace and wisdom.

Passing and Canonization:
On May 18, 1587, Felix peacefully passed away, surrounded by his brothers in the Capuchin Order. His legacy of love, humility, and service lived on, inspiring generations of believers to follow in his footsteps. In 1712, Pope Clement XI officially recognized Felix's sanctity and canonized him as a saint of the Catholic Church, affirming his exemplary life of holiness and devotion to God. Today, Saint Felix of Cantalice continues to inspire countless individuals with his profound example of faith in action.


A Prayer in honor of Saint Felix of Cantalice:

O God, who adorned Saint Felix of Cantalice with a boundless love for You and for his fellow humans, grant that following his example, we may live lives of humility, simplicity, and charity. May we, like him, find joy in serving others, especially the poor and marginalized, and may our hearts be filled with compassion and kindness. Through his intercession, help us to grow in holiness and to deepen our relationship with You. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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