Saint Felix of Cantalice

Saint Felix of Cantalice was a Capuchin friar from Italy. He lived in the 1500s. People also called him Brother Deo Gratias, because he always said “Thanks be to God.” His full name was Felix Porri, and he came from the town of Cantalice. He is now known mostly as Saint Felix of Cantalice.

He was not a priest. He was a lay brother. He spent most of his life walking the streets of Rome. He begged for food and money for his friary. He was known for his joy, his kindness, and his love for God.

Felix lived simply. He did not want anything for himself. He shared whatever he had. People trusted him. Poor and rich alike came to him for advice and prayer. He helped many find peace and hope.

Saint Felix is remembered for his strong faith and gentle way of speaking. He would talk to everyone he met. Many stories about him show how much he cared for children, the sick, and the poor.

His feast day is on May 18. The Church honors him as a saint who lived the Gospel with joy and simplicity. His life reminds us that holiness is not only for the rich or powerful. It is also for the humble and poor.

Felix was born in 1515 in a small town called Cantalice. This town is in central Italy. His family was poor. They were farmers. Felix helped in the fields from a young age. He did not go to school. He could not read or write.

Even as a boy, he prayed often. He liked to be alone and think about God. People said he was gentle and quiet. He also worked hard and obeyed his parents. He did not complain. He showed kindness to others.

One day, while plowing the fields, something happened. The oxen stopped and would not move. Felix took it as a sign from God. He began to think about doing something different with his life. He wanted to give himself fully to God.

He went to the Capuchin friars and asked to join. He was accepted as a lay brother. He was about 28 years old. He left his family and farm life behind. He would now live with the friars in poverty, prayer, and work.

Felix was sent to Rome after he joined the Capuchins. His main job was to beg. He went from house to house each day. He asked for food and goods for the friars. He wore a simple robe and carried a large sack.

People in Rome began to know him well. He greeted everyone with a smile. He said “Deo gratias,” which means “Thanks be to God.” That became his nickname. Even children shouted it when they saw him.

Felix was not ashamed to beg. He said he was working for his brothers and for Christ. When people gave him food or money, he thanked them and prayed for them. When they did not, he still blessed them.

He gave what he could to the poor. He often helped children and the sick. He also visited people in jail. He had nothing of his own, but he gave everything to others. He trusted that God would always provide.

Felix was happy to serve. He swept the floors at the friary. He helped in the kitchen. He never asked for better work. He did small things with great love.

Felix was known by many people in Rome. He was close to Saint Philip Neri. The two saints sometimes walked together and talked about God. People would watch them and smile. Their friendship showed that saints can have joy.

Felix also helped others who were not holy. He spoke kindly to those who were lost or angry. Many people came to him for advice. He told them to trust God, pray often, and do good for others.

He had a simple way of teaching. He used stories and short prayers. People could understand him easily. He did not argue or preach loudly. He just lived the Gospel each day.

Felix spent many hours in prayer. He often prayed at night, even after working all day. He fasted and did penance, not to show off, but to stay close to Christ. He said suffering brought him closer to Jesus.

Though he was not rich or smart, he became wise through prayer and love. Many people came to think of him as a holy man. Some even thought he could read hearts and perform small miracles.

Felix died in 1587. He was 72 years old. People in Rome mourned his death. They said a saint had lived among them. Many came to see his body and ask for his prayers.

After his death, stories of his goodness spread. The Church began to study his life. He was known for his holiness, joy, and care for others. In 1625, Pope Urban VIII beatified him. In 1712, Pope Clement XI declared him a saint.

Saint Felix is the patron saint of Capuchin lay brothers. He is also a patron for children. Many people ask for his prayers when they need help with simple or daily needs.

His feast day is celebrated on May 18. In some places, he is also honored on May 20. Churches and schools in his name can be found in Italy and other parts of the world.

Saint Felix of Cantalice reminds us that even a beggar can become a saint. He did not do big things. He did small things with love and faith. His life shows us that holiness can grow in simple places.