2023-06-02 07:01:00
June 2, 2023 / 12:01 a.m.
Every June 2, Saint Felix of Nicosia, a humble Capuchin friar (Order of Capuchin Friars Minor) from the s. XVIII, example of austerity, dedication and, above all, of love for God, manifested in obedience and charity with the poor and vulnerable.
Saint Felix was born in the Sicilian city of Nicosia (Italy) in the year 1715. His given name was Filippo Giácomo Amoroso. At the age of 20, he asked to be admitted to the Capuchin Franciscan convent as a lay brother, since, being illiterate, he could not aspire to be a clergyman.
He was rejected for 8 consecutive years, until he was finally admitted to the convent in Mistretta, Sicily. He made his perpetual profession on October 10, 1774, and was immediately sent to the convent in Nicosia, his hometown.
Almoner but rich
For much of his religious life he worked as a beggar. Every day he walked the streets of his town knocking on the doors of the rich, inviting them to share his goods and to turn to God, to whom we are all indebted.
Then, he would knock on the doors of the poor, offering assistance in their needs and reminding them that even in the midst of poverty there is much to offer and share. In this way, he himself became a link between them, helping to break down social walls.
With his friendly behavior, San Félix moved his peers, especially because he always gave thanks, both when he received donations and when he was rejected or mistreated. In either case, his response was the same: “Be it for the love of God.”
illiterate but wise
Although he was illiterate, he knew the Holy Scriptures and Christian doctrine well, for he made an effort to retain the biblical passages that were most significant to him, as well as the texts of the spiritual masters that were read in the convent during meals.
He did something similar with what he heard in the homily. Brother Felix forcefully demonstrated that he was really good at treasuring what came to his ears so that, once internalized, he could share it with anyone who needed it.
He was a great lover of the Eucharist (he spent hours praying before the Tabernacle). He professed a particular devotion to the Virgin of Sorrows (he carried an image of the Virgin on his chest for thirty years) and the Passion of Christ (he used to meditate on the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross with crossed arms).
docile instrument of God
Saint Felix’s greatest aspiration was to correspond as best as possible to the love of God. He knew that if he clung to God, everything else would fall into his place. He also knew that if there was anything to worry about, it had to be putting God first, always.
The Lord, knowing that he was repaired by the mercy of the humble saint, adorned his life with the gift of curing illnesses, both of the body and of the soul. In the name of Christ he worked many miracles. It is also known that good Brother Félix received the gift of bilocation, thanks to which he served more people.
The saint died on May 31, 1787 in the convent of Nicosia, his home, at the age of 78. He was beatified on February 12, 1888 by Pope Leo XIII and canonized on October 23, 2005 by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
“Be it for the love of God”
In the homily of the canonization mass, the Pope Emeritus pronounced a few words dedicated to Saint Felix: “”Be it for the love of God”. Thus we can well understand how intense and concrete was in him the experience of God’s love revealed to men in Christ. This humble Capuchin friar, illustrious son of the land of Sicily, austere and penitent, faithful to the most authentic expressions of the Franciscan tradition, was shaped and gradually transformed by the love of God, lived and updated in love of neighbor. Fray Félix helps us to discover the value of the little things that enrich life, and teaches us to grasp the meaning of family and service to brothers, showing us that the true and lasting joy that the heart of every human being yearns for It is the fruit of love.”
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