Episode 2364: Sts. Nathalia, Aurelius, Liliosa, Felix, and George

Sts. Nathalia, Aurelius, Liliosa, Felix, and George
St. Aurelius
St. Aurelius was born in Cordoba, Spain, to a Christian mother and a Moorish father. He was raised as a Muslim but later converted to Christianity, inspired by the example of his Christian mother.

St. Nathalia
St. Nathalia, also known as Sabigotho, was of Moorish descent and married to St. Aurelius. She was a secret Christian who practiced her faith discreetly to avoid persecution.

St. Felix
St. Felix was born to a Christian family in Galicia, Spain. He was a monk who lived in Cordoba, and despite being forced to pretend to be a Muslim, he secretly continued practicing Christianity.

St. Liliosa
St. Liliosa, also of Moorish descent, was married to St. Felix. Like Nathalia, she practiced her Christian faith in secret to avoid persecution.

St. George
St. George was a monk from Palestine who had come to Cordoba. He was known for his fervent faith and dedication to the Christian cause, despite the risks involved.

Martyrdom
During the 9th century, under Muslim rule in Cordoba, Christians faced severe persecution. Despite the risks, these five saints openly declared their Christian faith. They were arrested for their defiance of the Islamic laws of the time, which forbade public practice of Christianity. They were given the opportunity to renounce their faith but chose martyrdom instead.

On July 27, 852, Sts. Aurelius, Nathalia, Felix, Liliosa, and George were executed for their faith. They were beheaded in Cordoba and are remembered as courageous witnesses to the Christian faith, choosing to die rather than renounce their belief in Christ.

Legacy
These saints are honored as martyrs and are celebrated for their steadfast faith in the face of persecution. Their feast day is observed on July 27, commemorating the day of their martyrdom. They are particularly remembered in Spain and by the Christian community worldwide as examples of courage and fidelity to faith.