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| Image: Saint Felix of Cantalice by Peter Paul Rubens |
Saint Felix of Cantalice was born in Italy to pious parents. At the age of nine, he was hired out to work for a farmer which he continued to do so for twenty years. He spent his free time in prayer and had a friend read him the lives of the saints. He joined the Capuchin Franciscans and served as the Order’s official beggar in Rome. His piety and labours he undertook had a great influence over the Roman people, even though he could not read and had no formal study. He encouraged all to live a life of greater virtue regardless if they were peasants or dignitaries. Even men who lead scandalous lives retreated from him, lest he convicts them of their sins. Saint Felix’s apostolate was among the children of the city, where he would give them religious instruction in a simple and with childlike humility. His friend and contemporary was Saint Philip Neri, who declared him to be the Church’s greatest living saint. For 42 years Saint Felix served this way, and died in 1587 at the age of 42 years old and was beatified immediately after his death. He was the first Capuchin Franciscan to be canonised. His body is kept in the church of the Immaculate Conception in Rome under an altar dedicated to him.
