St Felix, Greeting All with “Thanks Be to God” – May 18 – Homily – Fr Joseph Michael

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Fr Joseph Michael gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on May 18, 2026, honoring St. Felix of Cantalice as the first Capuchin saint, an illiterate brother known for his quotes on love, gratitude in all circumstances, and joyful suffering for Christ while begging for the poor and sharing a humorous friendship with St. Philip Neri.


In this homily, Fr. Joseph Michael tells us about St. Felix of Cantalice, a simple Capuchin brother who could not read or write. Even so, he showed great love for God and others by greeting everyone with "Thanks be to God" and accepting daily hardships with joy. He spent forty years begging on the streets of Rome to help his community and the poor. St. Felix had a close, playful friendship with St. Philip Neri and a deep love for the Blessed Mother. His life teaches us that holiness comes from doing small, ordinary tasks with love rather than seeking big achievements.




Catechism of Catholic Church – Teaches virtue of true humility – https://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/2559.htm

Catechism of Catholic Church – Definition of theological virtue charity – https://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/1822.htm

Catechism of Catholic Church – Christ's suffering redeems human pain – https://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/1505.htm

USCCB Bible – Greatest commandment love thy neighbor – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/22?39


00:00 - Introduction to St. Felix of Cantalice
00:37 - The Power of Love Over Literacy
01:13 - Brother Deo Gratias and Gratitude
01:43 - Suffering for Christ
02:02 - Life as a Beggar in Rome
02:26 - Friendship with St. Philip Neri
03:12 - Devotion to the Blessed Mother
03:27 - Lessons in Humility and Daily Service

Ave Maria!

\nMass: St. Felix of Cantalice - Feast - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=638
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/051826.cfm
1st: Acts 2:44-47 - The Fellowship of the Believers
Resp: Psalms 131:1-3 - A song of ascents Of David
2nd: Colossians 3:12-17 - Ideal Christian
Gsp: Matthew 11:25-30 - Father and the Son

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=648

Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HaRLiw4R5g

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