It's the Feast of
St Venantius, Collects of Election of the Pope,
3rd Class, with the color of
Red. In this episode: the meditation: "The Spirit of Truth", today's news from the Church: "Christians Face Rising Violence in Jerusalem", a preview of the Sermon: "What is Heaven?", and today's thought from the Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre.
Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows?
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Sources Used Today:
- "The Spirit of Truth" — Eastertide Day by Day
- "Christians Face Rising Violence in Jerusalem" (FSSPX.news)
- "What is Heaven?" (SSPX Sermons)
- The Spiritual Life — Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (Angelus Press)
Please support our new project, the Archbishop Lefebvre Biography Audiobook!
Saint Felix of Cantalice was a humble Capuchin lay brother whose joy, simplicity, and charity made him beloved by the people of Rome. He was born in 1515 in the small village of Cantalice, Italy, into a poor farming family. From childhood, Felix knew hard labor and simple living. He worked as a shepherd and farmhand, spending long days in the fields while developing a deep life of prayer and trust in God.
Though he had little formal education, Felix possessed a natural wisdom rooted in faith. As a young man, he became known for his honesty, humility, and cheerful spirit. Eventually, he felt called to religious life and entered the Capuchin Franciscans as a lay brother. He did not become a priest, but embraced the humble tasks assigned to him with great love.
Most of Felix’s religious life was spent in Rome, where he served as the community’s alms collector. Day after day, he walked the streets gathering food and donations for the friars and for the poor. Yet he transformed this ordinary duty into a form of apostolate. His joyful greetings, simple humor, and words about God touched many hearts. Children especially loved him, and he became a familiar and comforting figure throughout the city.
Felix was also deeply devoted to prayer and penance. Though cheerful in public, he spent long hours in contemplation and practiced hidden sacrifices. He had a tender devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and often spoke of heavenly things with remarkable simplicity.
Many holy figures of his time knew and admired him, including Philip Neri, who shared his joyful spirit and love for souls. Despite his reputation for holiness, Felix remained profoundly humble, never seeking praise or recognition.
He died in 1587, and the people of Rome mourned him as a true friend of the poor and a living example of Franciscan joy.
The Church honors Saint Felix of Cantalice as a patron of lay brothers, laborers, and those who serve quietly behind the scenes. His life reminds the faithful that holiness is not reserved for the learned or powerful, but can flourish through humble service and cheerful fidelity.
His feast day on May 18 is marked especially among Capuchins and those devoted to the Franciscan tradition.
Saint Felix of Cantalice, joyful servant of the poor and faithful servant of Christ, pray for us.
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What is the SSPX Podcast?
The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition.
What is the SSPX?
The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood.
Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls.
Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it.
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