Felicitas of Rome (d. 162?)

Saint and Christian martyr . Name variations: (French) Félicités. Died in Rome around 162; may have been a widow with seven sons: Januarius, Felix, Philip, Silvanus, Alexander, Vitalis, and Martial.

One of two Christian martyrs named Felicitas, Felicitas of Rome lived during the 2nd century and was, according to the ancient Passions, tortured and killed with her seven sons at the hands of the Romans under the rule of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

A pious widow who was well-known in Rome, Felicitas was called upon to renounce her Christian faith in order to venerate the gods. When she refused, she was tried in the forum of Mars along with her seven sons whom she inspired with her steadfast faith. "Lift your eyes to heaven; look up, my children," she instructed them, "there Christ awaits you; fight for your souls; stay firm in His love." Remaining resolute in their faith, all were condemned to die horrible deaths. Felicitas was forced to watch while her seven sons were tortured, then flung over a rock, and later beheaded. By one account, Felicitas was then boiled in oil and beheaded. In another account, she was just beheaded. There are those historians who disclaim this story completely, believing that the author of the Passions may indeed have combined it with the story of the Machabee brothers. In fact, the seven lads purported to be the sons of Felicitas may not have been related to her or to each other.