Fidelis
was born Mark Rey in Sigmaringen in Prussia, and was the son of the
town's burgomaster. Pursuing studies at the University of Freiburg in
Bresigau, he eventually taught philosophy, while working towards a
degree in law.
In 1604, he was appointed tutor to a small group
of noble youths and with them made a six-year tour of Europe. His
pupils, who grew to respect and love him, attested to the austerity and
holiness of his life.
On his return to Germany, he took a
doctorate in law and was soon known for his integrity and for his
espousal of the cause of the oppressed. Still, the corruption within the
legal profession disgusted him and he decided to enter the Capuchin
branch of the Franciscan Order.
He was a preacher and confessor
of great repute and from the beginning of his apostolic life fought
heresy, especially in the form of Calvinism and Zwinglianism, not only
through preaching but also with his pen.
Appointed, with eight
others, apostle of the region of Grison with the mission of bringing its
people back to the faith, he undertook the project with courage and
dedication. From the start the wonderful effect of his zeal infuriated
his adversaries. They roused the peasants against him by spreading the
rumor that he was an enemy of their national aspirations and the agent
of the Austrian Emperor.
Fidelis was warned, but chose to spend
several nights in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament at the feet of a
crucifix. On April 24 he was back at his pulpit. A gunshot fired from
the crowd missed him, but once back on the road, he was attacked by a
group of armed men demanding that he renounce his Faith. He refused and
was struck down while calling on God to forgive his assailants, as they
mangled his body with their weapons.
The conversion of a
Zwinglian minister who witnessed the scene was one of the first fruits
of his martyrdom. Fidelis was canonized by Pope Benedict XIV.
Saturday, April 24, 2021
St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen
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