Martyrs Felix & Augebert

Felix and Augebert were two Englishmen of the seventh century who, having been sold into slavery in the territory of the Franks, were ransomed from bondage by Pope St. Gregory the Great. They are commemorated together as martyrs on September 6.

According to the tradition preserved among the Latin saints of the pre-schism West, Gregory redeemed the two men as part of his concern for the conversion of England, intending that they be trained and sent back to evangelize their own people. While being prepared for this mission, Felix was ordained to the priesthood and Augebert to the diaconate.

Before they could return to Britain to preach, both men were killed by pagans in Champagne, in what is now north-eastern France. The tradition places their martyrdom near present-day Chaumont. They are venerated as missionary-martyrs who died for the faith before they could fulfil the work for which they had been ransomed and ordained.