Saints Nabor and Felix

Saints Nabor and Felix were early Christian martyrs. They lived during the time of the Roman Empire, around the beginning of the 4th century. They are remembered for their strong faith, their courage, and their friendship. They are usually named together, and most of what we know about them comes from Christian tradition passed down over many years.

They are sometimes called San Nabor and San Felice in Italian. In Latin, their names appear as Naborius and Felix. Their story is connected to other martyrs of the same time, and their memory became especially important in northern Italy, especially in the city of Milan.

Nabor and Felix were Roman soldiers. At that time, being a Christian in the Roman army was dangerous. Soldiers were expected to worship Roman gods and obey the emperor without question. Choosing to follow Jesus could be seen as disobedience or even treason.

Still, Nabor and Felix did not hide their faith. When the time came, they stood firm, even when they knew it might cost them their lives. Their story shows what friendship, faith, and courage can look like.

Though many details of their lives are not clear, the Church has honored them for many centuries. Their names appear in ancient records, and their memory has been kept alive through stories, relics, and feast days.

Today, Nabor and Felix are known as saints who gave everything for what they believed in. Their story continues to inspire people who want to live with strength and honesty, even when it’s hard.

Little is known for certain about the early lives of Nabor and Felix. Some stories say they were born in North Africa. Others say they may have come from Italy. What most versions agree on is that they served in the Roman army and became Christians while serving as soldiers.

At the time, the Roman Empire was large and powerful. It stretched across many lands, and the army was a strong force used to keep order. The emperor ruled not only the government but also religious life. Christians were seen as a threat because they refused to worship the emperor as a god.

Nabor and Felix may have heard the Gospel from other Christian soldiers or from people they met while traveling. At some point, they chose to believe in Jesus. They were baptized and began to live as Christians, even though it was risky.

As soldiers, they were likely trained to obey every order. But their faith asked them to obey God first. This created a conflict. When asked to take part in sacrifices to Roman gods, they refused. They believed it was wrong to worship anyone but the one true God.

Their choice was not just about religion. It was about loyalty, truth, and courage. They knew what could happen to them. Yet they stayed firm. Their bond with each other helped them stay strong.

Nabor and Felix were not the only soldiers to become martyrs. But their friendship and their quiet strength have made their story stand out through the centuries.

Nabor and Felix were arrested for being Christians. They were brought before Roman leaders and questioned about their faith. When they refused to deny Jesus, they were sentenced to death.

They were taken to a town called Laus Pompeia, which is now Lodi Vecchio in northern Italy. There, they were beheaded for refusing to worship the Roman gods and for staying true to their Christian faith.

The story says they did not fight back or try to escape. They accepted their fate calmly, trusting that God would not leave them. Their witness made a strong impression on those who saw it.

Their bodies were not thrown away or forgotten. Other Christians took care of them. They were treated with honor and buried with respect. This was a brave act, since helping Christians at that time could also bring punishment.

Over time, more people heard their story. Word of their courage spread. Other believers saw them as examples of how to stay strong in faith, even in the worst moments.

The way they died became a witness not just to their belief in God, but to the power of friendship and loyalty. They stood side by side to the end, and their shared sacrifice became part of the story of the early Church.

After Nabor and Felix were buried, their graves became places of prayer. People visited them to remember their sacrifice and to ask for help in their own struggles. Their names became known not only in Lodi, where they died, but also in Milan.

Saint Ambrose, a bishop of Milan in the 4th century, helped spread their fame. He had their relics brought to Milan and placed in a church. He wanted the people of the city to know their story and honor their faith.

A church called the Basilica Naboriana was built in Milan in their name. Later, their remains were moved to another church, the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio. They were placed near other saints and martyrs, showing the high honor they had received.

Their story grew over the years. Artists painted them, writers told their story, and the Church celebrated their feast day. They became symbols of bravery, loyalty, and strong faith.

Even though they lived long ago, their memory did not fade. Churches and places across Europe were named after them. They were honored as examples of what it means to follow Jesus, even when it’s hard.

Their story reminds people that the witness of martyrs can last far beyond their lifetime. What they did in one short moment has encouraged others for centuries.

Nabor and Felix were remembered as saints because of their courage and their faith. They were recognized early in the Church, not through a formal canonization process like we have today, but through the love and devotion of the Christian community.

Their feast day is July 12. On this day, people remember their sacrifice and their example. Churches still honor them, especially in Milan and nearby areas.

They are often called patron saints of soldiers and those facing persecution. Some also look to them for help in staying strong during trials or staying faithful in hard times.

Nabor and Felix were not bishops or scholars. They were soldiers who made a simple choice—to stay true to Jesus, even when it meant death. That choice has made them heroes of faith.

Their story has lasted because people see something real in it. They were two friends who stayed loyal, not just to each other, but to what they believed was right. Their courage still speaks to those who face fear, hardship, or pressure to give up what they believe.

Saints Nabor and Felix remind us that faith doesn’t always look loud or grand. Sometimes, it’s just two people standing firm side by side, even when the world turns against them.

They lived in the 3rd century during the rule of Emperor Diocletian, who was not a fan of Christians.

They were Roman soldiers—strong, trained, and brave. But their greatest strength? Their faith.

They became Christians and refused to offer sacrifice to Roman gods. That was a big “no-no” for soldiers.

They were arrested and told, “Burn incense to the emperor or die.” They said, “We serve a greater King.”

Their courage amazed even the guards. Two brave soldiers standing firm for Jesus—no armor needed.

They were taken far from Milan to be executed quietly. The emperor didn’t want them to become famous. It didn’t work. Their story did spread—fast.

They were beheaded in Lodi, Italy, around the year 304. Quiet death, loud legacy.

Their relics were later moved to Milan by Saint Ambrose, the famous bishop. He built a church over their tomb. That church became a holy hotspot. People came to pray, and miracles were reported there.

Saint Ambrose even preached a whole sermon praising them for their bravery and faith.

They were mentioned in ancient Roman calendars and early martyrologies. They were well known in the early Church.

They’re the patron saints of soldiers, especially those trying to live with faith in tough jobs.

Their symbols are swords, shields, and palm branches—because they laid down their weapons and picked up the cross.