E04656: Two inscriptions, probably set up after 484, celebrate the decoration and expansion of the church of *Felix (priest and confessor of Nola, S00000) at Nola/Cimitile, southern Italy, by Paulinus, bishop of Nola (ob. c. 431).

Inscription A

Felicis penetrat prisco venerabile cultu
lux nova diffusis nunc aperit spatiis
angusti memores solii gaudete videntes
praesulis ad laudem quam nitet hoc solium

‘Fresh light and extended space now open the shrine of Felix to men’s eyes, though it has long been revered and venerated. When you recall his tiny tomb, you must rejoice to see how it now glitters in praise of our patron.’

Inscription B

Paruus erat locus ante sacris angustus agendis
supplicibusque negans pandere posse manus
nunc populo spatiosa sacris altaria praebet
officiis medii martyris in gremio.
cuncta deo renovato placent, novat omnia semper
Christus et in cumulum luminis amplificat.
sic et dilecti solium Felicis honorans
et splendore simul protulit et spatio.

‘This place was earlier confined and small for celebrating the sacred ritual. It did not allow those at prayer to raise wide their arms. But now it affords the congregation a shrine with plenty of room for their sacred duties, embraced by the martyr at the centre. All things renewed are pleasing to God; Christ is ever renewing all things, and ennobling them to enhance his light. So he has honoured the tomb of his beloved Felix by improving both its brightness and its access.’

Text: Hartel 1894. Translation: Walsh 1975.