Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen

Biography

Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, also known as the "poor man's lawyer," was born as Mark Rey in 1577 in Sigmaringen, Hohenzollern, Germany. He was a passionate lawyer and philosophy teacher who grew disillusioned with the rampant greed, corruption, and lack of interest in justice among his fellow lawyers. This dissatisfaction led him to make a life-altering decision to abandon the legal profession and pursue a spiritual path. Mark Rey became a priest and joined the Franciscan order as a friar along with his brother, George. He changed his name to Fidelis as a symbol of his unwavering faith. Fidelis embarked on a journey of selflessness and dedicated himself to serving the poor. He divested himself of his worldly wealth and distributed it to those in need, especially poor seminarians. Fidelis served as a guardian in his friary and demonstrated remarkable compassion and care for those affected by epidemics, particularly soldiers. He dedicated himself to healing the sick during times of infectious diseases, becoming known for his selfless acts of service. One of Fidelis' notable accomplishments was his leadership in Switzerland, where he led a group of Capuchin friars in preaching to Calvinists and Zwinglians. Despite the divisive religious climate of the time, Fidelis and his companions managed to spread their message successfully. It was said that Fidelis' effectiveness and the minimal violence suffered during their mission were attributed to his devout practice of spending nights in prayer. Unfortunately, Fidelis' life of faith and devotion did not come without opposition. His unwavering commitment to preaching led to his martyrdom. He faced severe persecution and was eventually murdered on 24 April 1622 in Grusch, Grisons, Switzerland. Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen is often depicted in various representations. He is symbolically associated with heretics, representing his dedication to correcting false beliefs. He is also known as the "Morning Star," signifying his role in bringing spiritual enlightenment to others. Other depictions include him trampling on the word "heresy" or wielding weapons such as a club set with spikes, a whirlbat, or a hurlbat. Some representations include an angel carrying a palm of martyrdom, indicating Fidelis' ultimate sacrifice for his faith. He is sometimes depicted alongside Saint Joseph of Leonissa, possibly due to their shared devotion to serving others and spreading the Gospel. Fidelis was beatified by Pope Benedict XIII on 21 March 1729 and canonized by Pope Benedict XIV on 29 June 1746. Although he does not have a specific patronage ascribed to him, Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen stands as a shining example of selflessness, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice and faith. His feast day is celebrated on 24 April, honoring his memory and inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.