Felix was a Roman priest martyred around the year 304 during the persecution of Diocletian. As he was being led to execution, a stranger stepped forward, declared himself a Christian, and was put to death alongside him; his name unknown, the Church called him Adauctus, 'the one added.' They were buried in the cemetery of Commodilla on the Ostian Way, where a basilica was later raised over their tomb.
Felix and Adauctus remind us that faith is rarely carried alone — one soul's courage can awaken another's. Adauctus saw a man walking steadily toward death for love of Christ and chose to walk beside him, showing that even a companion whose name is forgotten on earth is known and cherished by God.
Lord, who joined Felix and Adauctus in one witness and one crown, give us the courage to stand beside those who suffer, and receive all your children, named and unnamed, into your peace. Amen.