Felix of Nicosia, Bl.
FELIX OF NICOSIA, BL.
Lay brother; b. Nicosia, Sicily, Nov. 5, 1715; d. there, May 31, 1787. His father, Philip Amoroso, a poor shoemaker, and his devout mother, Carmela, had him baptized Giacomo. He followed his father's trade until at 27 he entered the Capuchin Order at Mistretta, Oct. 1,1743. He received the name Felix after St. Felix of Cantalice, the first Capuchin saint. During the 44 years of his religious life, Felix served his brethren in the duties of a lay brother, especially as a seeker of alms. He was renowned for his charity, especially toward the sick and prisoners, and for his austere penances, constant prayer, and his power of miracles, which earned him the title thaumaturgus. For 33 years he lived under a superior who considered it his role to sanctify Felix by subjecting him to relentless severity and fantastic humiliations, all of which he heroically endured. Felix was beatified by Leo XIII, Feb. 12, 1888; three years later his remains were transferred to the Cathedral of Nicosia.
Feast: June 1.
Bibliography: Lexicon Capuccinum (Rome 1951) 578.
[t. macvicar]