Saint Felix was a third-century priest of Nola, near Naples in Italy. During the persecution under Emperor Decius he was imprisoned and tortured for the faith, and after his escape he hid until the persecution passed. When peace returned he humbly declined to be made bishop, choosing instead a simple life of poverty and generosity to the poor; Saint Paulinus of Nola later honored him with yearly poems, and his tomb became a beloved place of pilgrimage.
Felix shows us that faithfulness does not depend on comfort or safety — he held on to Christ through prison and hiding, and then let go of honors others would have grasped. His quiet generosity after suffering reminds us that a heart tested by sorrow can still pour itself out in love. For a grieving family, he is a gentle companion: proof that God stays near in the darkest rooms and brings his faithful ones home.
Saint Felix of Nola, faithful in trial and humble in peace, pray for us and for Ben, that we may trust God in suffering and love the poor with an open hand. Amen.