May 18
Saints of the Day
 

Saint Felix of Cantalice, 1515-1587
A shepherd... lay Brother with ecstasies praying the Rosary. A great theologian, adviser of his friends St. Philip Neri and Saint Charles Borromeo

    Felix was the first Franciscan Capuchin ever canonized. In fact, when he was born, the Capuchins did not yet exist as a distinct group within the Franciscans.
    "Ass of the Capuchins" (his own nickname for himself); Brother Deo Gratias ("Deo Gratias" was his habitual greeting).

    He could not even read, yet theologians consulted him on spiritualality and Scripture. Sinners on the street would hide from him when it became obvious he could see their sins, and knew their hearts.
    Felix preached in the street, rebuked corrupt politicians and officials, and exhorted young men to stop leading dissolute lives. Once during Carnival, a time of open vice in the streets, Felix and Saint Philip Neri organized a procession of Capuchin friars right into the middle of the revellers; Fra Lupo, a well-known Capuchin preacher, spoke to the crowds, and Carnival ended for the year. 
    His friend, Saint Philip Neri, considered Felix the greatest saint then living. Saint Charles Borromeo sought Saint Philip's help to draw up the constitutions of the Oblates.
    Slept little, at what came to hand, attended Mass every morning. Had a great devotion to Our Lady; he frequently recited the rosary, sometimes swept away in ecstasy, unable to finish the prayers. Received a vision of the Virgin Mary during which he was allowed to hold the Christ Child in his arms.
    Acclaimed a saint by the people of Rome immediately after his death.

Born 18 May 1515 at Cantalice, Abruzzi, Italy

Died 18 May 1587 at Rome, Italy of natural causes; so many came to his funeral that some were injured in the press to get into the church, and an extra door had to be knocked through one wall so they could exit; buried under an altar in the church of the Immaculate Conception in Rome; miracles reported at his tomb

Canonized 22 May 1712 by Pope Clement XI

Additional Information

http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintf54.htm
http://www.magnificat.ca/cal/engl/05-18.htm
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintOfDay/default.asp?id=1392

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