Saint Nabor and Felix
Saints Nabor and Felix (died c. 304 AD in Lodi Vecchio, Lombardy, Italy) were Roman soldiers and Christian martyrs executed during the Diocletianic Persecution. They are among the early Christian soldier-martyrs who refused to participate in pagan sacrifice demanded of troops under Diocletian's edicts. Their relics were discovered by Saint Ambrose of Milan and placed under the altar of what became Sant'Ambrogio Basilica in Milan. Their feast day is July 12.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Nabor and Felix
| Saint Nabor and Felix | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | July 12 |
| Profession | Roman soldiers; Christian martyrs |
| Rel. Affiliation | Catholic Church; Milan; Lodi; Ambrosian Rite; Diocletianic Persecution martyrs; soldier-martyrs; North African saints |
| Patronage | Lodi, Italy; Diocese of Lodi; soldiers; north Italian Catholic tradition; those who refuse unjust military orders |
| Attributes | Roman military dress; palm of martyrdom; sword (beheading); together as a pair; altar (their relics placed beneath the altar by Ambrose) |
| Birthplace | Africa (traditional; often identified as Mauretania or North Africa) |
| Death Place | Lodi Vecchio (Laus Pompeia), Lombardy, Italy |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom; beheaded at Lodi Vecchio, c. 304 AD, during the Diocletianic Persecution; they were Roman soldiers who refused to offer sacrifice to Roman gods; after refusing, they were arrested, tried, and executed |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, Milan — their relics under the altar; one of the earliest Christian basilicas in the world; placed there by Saint Ambrose in 395 AD; UNESCO monument; active pilgrimage site |
| Liturgical Class | Optional Memorial (Roman Rite); July 12; Feast in the Ambrosian Rite of Milan; Feast in the Diocese of Lodi |
| Historic Class | Commemoration in the Roman calendar; July 12 |
Biography
Nabor and Felix were Roman soldiers of African origin (traditionally Mauritanian) serving in the legions in northern Italy. During the Diocletianic Persecution (303–311 AD), the Emperor Diocletian issued edicts requiring all soldiers to offer sacrifice to Roman gods. Nabor and Felix refused.
They were arrested and executed at Laus Pompeia (modern Lodi Vecchio) in Lombardy, c. 304 AD, by beheading.
Their bodies were buried locally. Saint Ambrose of Milan discovered their relics and translated them to his new basilica in Milan in 395 AD, placing them beneath the altar — one of the foundational acts of the tradition of placing saints' relics under Catholic altars.
They are patron saints of Lodi, Italy.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: None
Death location: Lodi Vecchio (Laus Pompeia), Lombardy, Italy
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Shrines
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Known shrines
- Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, Milan — their relics beneath the altar; placed there by Saint Ambrose, 395 AD.
- Cathedral of Lodi — relics venerated; they are co-patrons of Lodi.
Feast day
July 12
Veneration
Saints Nabor and Felix are early Christian soldier-martyrs whose relics were discovered and enshrined by Saint Ambrose of Milan in 395 AD. They are co-patrons of Lodi and are venerated in the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio under the ancient altar.
Prayers
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