Religious, 1515-1587

Felix Porri was born in the year 1515, in Cantalice, Italy. He received the habit of the Capuchin friars in 1543. For forty years he served as questor in the city of Rome, giving a wonderful example of simplicity, innocence, and charity. In continual prayer and humble joy he walked the streets of Rome helping the sick and the poor. He was called “Friar Deo Gratias” because of his custom of greeting the people with these words. Felix was so successful in his work that during the famine of 1580, the political leader of Rome asked the Capuchins if they would lend Felix to them so he could collect food and provisions for the entire city. The Capuchins agreed, and Felix embraced his new task. He died in Rome in 1587, endowed with extraordinary gifts from God.

He was beatified by Pope Urban VIII on Oct. 1, 1625, and canonized by Pope Clement XI on May 22, 1712.