Felix, Fortunatus and Achilleus

The Holy Martyrs Felix, Fortunatus and Achilleus lived in the third century and received the crown of martyrdom in the time of the emperor Caracalla, at Valence in Gaul. Felix was a priest, and Fortunatus and Achilleus were deacons. The Church commemorates them on 23 April.

According to tradition, they were sent by Saint Irenaeus, bishop of Lyon, to preach in Valence. From a humble lodging, in which they lived a life of much penance, they proclaimed the Gospel in the city. They also worked many miracles in the region, and through their preaching many were baptized. For this they were arrested. Angels brought them out of prison and told them to destroy all the idols in the temples of Valence. Felix, Fortunatus and Achilleus destroyed the images of Mercury and Saturn and a particularly valuable amber statue of Jupiter. For this deed they were seized again, their legs were broken, and then they were tortured on wheels. Enduring these torments too, they were beheaded.

The sources say that although the persons themselves may not be entirely legendary, no historical events of their lives have been preserved, and one source adds that no evidence of their existence has survived. Relics believed to be theirs are venerated at Valencia, in Spain. Relics of Fortunatus are also said to be at Sant'Andrea della Valle in Rome.