SAINT FELIX, BISHOP OF SPELLO - 18 MAY

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN MAY

Saints celebrated on the 18th of May

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SAINT FELIX, BISHOP OF SPELLO

A page of one of Fortunatus Hueber's
Saints' books,
"Stammenbuch..." (1693)

Saint Felix was bishop of Spello (Hispellum, Spellatum) in Umbria. Captured under Emperor Maximian, he was so empowered by a heavenly vision that he ridiculed the pagan gods. Unharmed on a red-hot grate, he was then killed by beheading. The Christians in the city gave him a decent burial. The citizens of Spello later chose the saint as the patron of their city, thanks to the many benefits obtained through his intercession. They built two churches and a monastery in his honour; the latter houses his relics.

His name also appears in the Roman Martyrology*, where he is called Bishop of Spoleto (Spoletum) in the Papal States. It is uncertain that this Saint Felix was bishop of a Martana; but that he possessed the bishopric of Spalatro (Spalatium, Spalatrum, Palatium Diocletiani) in Dalmatia, or that of Guadir (Acci, Colonia Accitana, Guadicium) in Spain, and died a martyr near Seville, is definitely not the case. He is also a different person from the Saint Felix who is venerated at Pavia.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 2, Augsburg, 1861, p. 180)

*A hagiography source used by the authors 

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Felix may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.