Our Father among the Saints Felix, First Bishop of Como
Life
Saint Felix of Como was the first bishop of Como in northern Italy, a see he held for roughly twelve years in the late fourth century. A Roman by birth, he was a student, friend, and colleague of Saint Ambrose of Milan, who consecrated him and praised him for his missionary activity, and he is remembered as a zealous pastor of souls.
He reposed on 8 October 391. He is distinct from Saint Felix of Nola. His feast is variously given (October 8, and in some calendars in July or August); the dating and details await clergy and source review.
Timeline4 momentsReadHide
379OrdinationFelix, a Roman and student of Ambrose of Milan, is ordained; accounts of the Diocese of Como date his consecration as its first bishop to 1 November 379.
381Consecration at LodiFelix is present with Ambrose when Bassianus of Lodi consecrates a church dedicated to the Apostles at Lodi.
390Synod at MilanFelix participates in a synod held by Ambrose at Milan to address the heretic Jovianus.
8 October 391ReposeFelix dies after about twelve years as bishop of Como; he is venerated as a saint.
Contributions & Legacy
2 contributionsReadHide
Episcopal Ministry
Felix was a Roman who came under the formation of Saint Ambrose of Milan, and it was Ambrose who consecrated him as the inaugural bishop of Como. Sources place his ordination to the priesthood in 379; his consecration as bishop is given variously as 1 November 379 in accounts of the Diocese of Como (consistent with a tenure of about twelve years ending around 391) or as 386 in other summaries.
Ambrose held Felix in esteem and commended his missionary labors. Felix worked alongside other bishops of the region, and by tradition he collaborated with Saint Probinus, a later bishop of Como. He is honored as a zealous pastor of souls.
Association with Ambrose and the Bishops of Lombardy
Felix appears repeatedly in the company of Ambrose during his episcopate. In 381 he was present with Ambrose when Saint Bassianus of Lodi consecrated a church dedicated to the Apostles at Lodi, evidence of his active ministry in that year.
In 390 he took part in a synod convened by Ambrose at Milan that addressed the teaching of the heretic Jovianus, situating Felix within the circle of northern Italian bishops who defended the faith under Ambrose's leadership.
