The Basics: Born in Italy; died about 150 in Italy; canonized precongregation; feast day, November 23. Widow; mother; martyr.
The Story: The gruesome image from the late 15th or early 16th century says it all: A woman contemplating the deaths 
of her seven sons who refused to deny their faith. And, four months after the last of them was killed, the mother, Felicitas of Rome, joined them in martyrdom.
It’s painful to even imagine the pain Felicitas must have felt as she watched each son die… but also, her pride in their courage and faith. The wealthy widow was devoted to helping Rome’s poor. She surely knew what owning her faith could mean to her and her family. And yet, she did, living her Christianity publicly rather than in the alleys and shadows.
Even her persecutor, the prefect Publius, recognized her holiness, privately encouraging her to sacrifice to the gods so that she could be saved. But she refused.
Felicitas’ Wisdom: “The spirit of God within me will not suffer me to be overcome by satan…”
What We Can Learn from Felicitas: No is always the answer when we are asked to deny our faith, regardless of how painful that no may be. Think of a situation where you are avoiding sharing your beliefs for fear of ridicule, and pray with Felicitas for strength.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
