Wednesday of the First Week of Ordinary Time

Saint Felix of Nola was born in Nola near Naples in Italy, the elder son of Hermias, a Syrian centurion who had settled there. After his father’s death, Felix sold much of his inheritance and gave the proceeds to the poor, embracing a life of simplicity and service. Ordained a priest, he assisted Saint Maximus of Nola during a time of fierce persecution under Emperor Decius. When Maximus fled into the mountains, Felix was arrested and beaten for Christ, yet he escaped and sought out his bishop, finding him sick and defenseless. Tradition tells how Felix hid Maximus in an abandoned place, where a spider’s web quickly veiled the doorway and turned soldiers away—an image long cherished by the faithful. When peace returned, Felix refused the honor of becoming bishop, choosing humility and continued priestly ministry, working his land and giving generously to those in need. Venerated as an unconquered confessor of the faith, he is also invoked as patron of lost animals and spiders, and of several towns including Cimitile and Pomigliano d’Arco. His feast day is January 14.

Saint Felix of Nola, born in Nola, is remembered with quiet reverence as a presbyter and bishop who served the Church in its earliest days. Though little is known of the details of his life, his witness left a lasting mark on the Christian community of his hometown, where his name continued to be honored among the faithful. He died in the year 95, and the Church keeps his memory on January 14. Venerated as a saint, Felix remains a spiritual patron of Nola and of Orria, a sign of the enduring devotion that has gathered around his life and ministry. In remembering Saint Felix, we are invited to cherish the humble fidelity of those who shepherded Christ’s people from the beginning.

Saint Potitus was born in Sardica, in the Roman province of Thracia (today Sofia, Bulgaria), into a wealthy pagan family. While still very young, he came to believe in Christ and embraced the faith with a courage that would soon be tested. During the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius, Potitus was arrested for refusing to renounce Christianity, choosing fidelity to the Lord over comfort, status, and even life itself. Ancient tradition remembers him as a wonder-working witness to the Gospel, especially for the healing of Agnes, the emperor’s daughter, who was said to be afflicted with madness. Yet his greatest miracle was the steadfastness of his heart. Condemned to die, he was thrown to wild beasts, but they would not harm him. Cast then into boiling oil, he emerged unharmed. At last, he was put to death by the sword, sealing his testimony with martyrdom while still a teenager. Potitus is honored as patron of Tricarico, Ascoli Satriano, and San Potito Sannitico. His feast day is January 14.