April 24
Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Priest, Martyr
(1577 – 1622)
“Woe to me if I should prove myself but a half-hearted soldier in the service of my thorn-crowned Captain.”
Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Saint’s Life Story
“Poor Man’s Lawyer”
Mark Rey was born in 1577 in Sigmaringen, Hohenzollern, Germany. Mark’s father, Johannes Rey, was the burgomeister, or local mayor. It is strange that none of his biographers mention his mother. He was educated at the University of Freiburg-im Breisgau, where he also taught philosophy and studied law. He was a tutor from 1604 to 1610 to a large group of aristocrats and travelled all over Europe with them. He earned his doctorate in law. Mark dedicated himself to upholding the rights of the poor and oppressed and was nicknamed “the poor man’s lawyer.”
From Law to Priesthood
Mark gave up law for the religious life. He donated all his wealth to the poor and to needy seminarians. Mark was ordained and in 1612, became a Franciscan Capuchin monk taking the name Fidelis. Fidelis served as the guardian at various Capuchin houses. He became a successful preacher. Fidelis combined a life of continued service to the poor with an austere lifestyle, spending many hours in prayer, penance, and all-night vigils.
Missionary in Switzerland
Fidelis went with eight other Capuchins and converted many Protestants in Grissons, Switzerland. He was appointed head of the Congregation for Propagation of the Faith. His continued success with the Grissons incurred bitter animosity against him to the point that some local Protestants considered him to be a spy for the Austrian emperor.
Martyrdom
While preaching at Seewis on April 24, 1622, he was fired upon,but the assassin missed him. However, on his way back to Grusch, where he preached earlier that day, he was met by 20 Calvinist soldiers with a minister who urged him to embrace Calvinism. Fidelis replied, “The Catholic religion is the Faith of all ages; I fear not death.” When he received a blow upon his head, he arose to his knees, prayed for his persecutors and with the names of Jesus and Mary on his lips, Fidelis was stabbed to death and died on April 24, 1622 in Grusch, Grisons, Switzerland.
Born: 1577 in Sigmaringen, Hohenzollern, Germany
Died: April 24, 1622 in Grusch, Grisons, Switzerland
Beatified: March 24, 1729 by Pope Benedict XIII
Canonized: June 29, 1746 by Pope Benedict XIV
Feast Day: April 24
Patron Saint: Lawyers
Source:
Reflection
Before entering religious life, Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen was a lawyer known for his integrity and defense of the poor. His dedication to justice and truth was evident early in his career, but he became increasingly disillusioned by the corruption he saw in the legal profession. This disillusionment led him to seek a deeper, more meaningful way to serve God and humanity, which ultimately guided him to the Capuchin Order. As a friar, he embraced a life of poverty, humility, and fervent prayer. His zeal for the faith was contagious, and he became a well-known preacher, renowned for his ability to articulate the truths of the Catholic faith with clarity and conviction.
Have you tried to find true fulfillment in your life in worldly success or recognition? Instead, try dedicating yourselves to the service of God and others to find your true fulfillment.
Prayers
Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen,
Martyr for the faith and fearless defender of the truth, you gave your life for the love of Christ embracing the cross with joy, we humbly seek your intercession.
Help us to embrace our own crosses with the same faith and trust, knowing that in our trials, we are united with our Lord.
In a world filled with confusion and strife, grant us the courage to stand firm in our faith and to speak the truth with love and conviction, remaining steadfast in our commitment to Christ.
May your example inspire us to live with boldness and courage, always ready to defend the truth and spread the love of God.
Through your prayers, may we grow in holiness, and be granted the grace to one day share in the glory of heaven, with you and all the saints.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Pray for us. Amen.
Saint Links
All Saints & Martyrs – Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen
AnaStpaul – Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Angelus News – Saint of the day: Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Capuchin Franciscans – Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen Priest and Martyr
Catholic Culture – St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Catholic Exchange – St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Catholic Ireland – Apr 24 – St Fidelis of Sigmaringen (1577-1622)
Catholic News Agency – St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen Feast Day: Apr 24
Editions Magnificant – Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen Martyr (1577-1622)
Franciscan Media – Saint of the Day: Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Rev Alban Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – St Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Martyr
Saint for a Minute – Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Saint Mary’s Press – Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen (1577-1622)
uCatholic – St Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Video Link
St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen – YouTube (Cradio)