Venerable Felix De Andreis, C.M. (1778-1820)

Born in Italy, he joined the Vincentian Fathers at age nineteen and was ordained in 1801. The first fifteen years of his priesthood were spent in Italy, conducting retreats and preaching parish missions. But he felt a call to minister to the people of the United States, so despite his frail health, he spent his spare time learning English. In 1816, at the request of the Bishop of New Orleans, he led the first group of Vincentians to the United States. He served as a professor in the seminary, and he became Vicar General of the new Diocese of St. Louis. He wanted to work with the Native peoples of America, but poor health prevented him from doing so. He died in 1820. The Catholic Encyclopedia writes: “Exhausted by the hardships of missionary word, he died after a short life of forty-two years, greatly esteemed for sanctity.” His canonization cause is currently under consideration.