E02532: The Martyrdom of *Felix (confessor and brother of the martyr of Rome also called Felix (companion of Adauctus), S01483) is written in Latin, presumably in Rome, at an uncertain date, in the 9th c. at the latest. It narrates the tortures endured by Felix and miracles performed by him in Rome, Felix’s travel to Nola, the conversions triggered there, and his peaceful death in the same city after 12 years.

Martyrdom of Felix (BHL 2885)

Summary:

§ 1: After the martyrdom of the priest Felix, his younger brother and priest, also called Felix, is brought before Draccus and ordered to perform sacrifices to the idols. He advises Draccus against bringing him around temples like he did with his brother, who destroyed them. He is ready, however, to show God’s power and to destroy the temple of Jupiter at the Capitol if he is brought there.

§ 2: Draccus orders him to be beaten with cudgels and exiled to the hill called Circeius, to end his life there cutting stones. There, Felix exorcises the daughter of the tribune Probus, who proclaims that Felix’s God is the true God. He is a citizen of Nola. Felix also heals Probus’ wife, after asking him to believe, then sending blessed oil to her, which heals her after three days.

§ 3: A colleague of Probus makes plans for Felix to be arrested, but those who come to seize him experience great pain, failing in their task. Felix asks them to proclaim their faith, they agree and are freed. All believe and are baptised.

§ 4: After the end of his appointment as tribune, Probus goes back to Nola with Felix. A pagan priest and soothsayer sees Felix, falls at his feet, telling him that he fears him, since his god fled when Felix arrived. Felix tells him about Christ, and the man believes. Felix stays there and cultivates a garden (hortus). At night people come and steal his vegetables (olera) under the moonlight, working all night with mattocks (vangae). Felix finds them still working in the morning, they fall at his feet.

§5: Later, Felix comes to a nearby temple dedicated to Apollo. He sets a challenge to pagans entering the temple, asking them to guess what he holds in his hands, a copy of the Gospel containing the Lord’s prayer. Nobody is able to guess it, and Felix tries to convince them of Christ’s superior power, notably telling them that they will receive no help from the god (Apollo) any more. As the pagans see that their god does not answer them anymore and that Felix gives sight to the blind, expels demons, cures many illnesses and resurrects the dead, they destroy the statue of Apollo and in the same place build an oratory (oratorium) and they all believe in Jesus Christ.

§ 6: Felix lives in that city for another 12 years; every pagan who tries to seize Christians there is possessed by a demon, believes in God, is freed, and becomes Christian. After 12 years, on Sunday, after celebrating the Eucharist, falling in prayer to the ground, Felix goes to the Lord.

Text: Acta Sanctorum, Ian., I, 951. Summary: M. Pignot.