ST MAXIMUS, BISHOP OF NOLA - 15 JANUARY

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN JANUARY

Saints celebrated on the 15th of January

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SAINT MAXIMUS, BISHOP OF NOLA 

Saint Maximus (Maximianus) was the fourth bishop of Nola in Campania, where he gladdened his flock by piety of spirit and the consolation of his word.

He ordained St Felix, the "staff of his old age," who administered the office of deacon.

During his entire time as bishop, he inspired respect even among the Gentiles by his learning and wisdom.

LEARNING AND WISDOM

When the persecution broke out, probably the last under Diocletian (according to Migne, under Decius), St Maximus was already decrepit and did not dare face the danger of martyrdom.

St Felix had already been arrested and was in chains.

HUNGER AND FROST TOOK THEIR TOLL ON HIM

The holy Bishop Maximus fled to the mountains, where he wandered in caves and chasms. Hunger and frost took their toll on him so that he fainted for weakness.

St Felix, who had been miraculously delivered from prison by an angel, came just in time to help him.

He dribbled the juice of a grape, which he found on a nearby thornbush, into his mouth and in this way reinvigorated him enough for him to take him to a widow in Nola, where he died a confessor.

HIS FEAST DAYS

Some of his relics are in Benevento. He is venerated in Nola on February 7, in Benevento on February 8, and in Rome on January 15. The latter date is also given in the Roman Martyrology.

Henschen does not give dates for St Maximus' time of office as bishop. It falls in the middle of the third or fourth century. In illustrations he is represented as a bishop; next to him is a thorn bush on which a grape is growing.

Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, 1858 - 🎨 St Felix of Nola's rescue from prison