Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen

Life story

Fidelis, born Mark Rey (or Roy), came into the world in 1577 at Sigmaringen, then in Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. He studied law and philosophy at the University of Freiburg and practised law at Colmar, where he was known as the poor man's lawyer.

He joined the Capuchins, took the name Fidelis, and was ordained in 1612. The Holy See sent him to preach in Graubünden. The Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith had appointed him head of the mission in Rhaetia.

On 24 April 1622, after preaching at Seewis and on the road back to Grüsch, he was killed by Calvinist soldiers who demanded that he renounce Catholicism. He was beatified in 1729 and canonised by Pope Benedict XIV on 29 June 1746. Accounts differ on the exact circumstances: one says he was attacked in the church at Seewis, another on the road. He was about 45 years old. In art he is usually shown with a crucifix and a wound in the head, and his emblem is a club.

Works and witness

• Studied law and philosophy at Freiburg
• Practised law at Colmar, known as the poor man's lawyer
• Joined the Capuchins, ordained in 1612
• Sent to preach in Graubünden
• Killed near Seewis on 24 April 1622

Saints from the same country

Saint Ambrose, Saint Hildegard of Bingen, Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), Saint Bruno of Cologne

References

• Catholic Encyclopedia, "St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen" (newadvent.org/cathen/06069a.htm)

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.