During April on the Franciscan Calendar, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity feature Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, O.F.M. Cap. (1577 – 1622), a martyr of his time. Respected for his virtuous witness during the Counter-Reformation, he was killed at Seewis im Prättigau, now part of Switzerland. Fidelis was canonized in 1746. The Protestant minister who was involved in Fidelis’ death, converted to Catholicism.
Here are some other facts about his life:
- He was a professional who a lived a virtuous life and was known as the ‘poor man’s lawyer’.
- As a Franciscan evangelist, he was sent out to preach against Calvinism and Zwinglianism in Switzerland.
- He had a special devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
- He not only predicted his martyrdom, but faced his death with joy.
- His body was later found incorrupt.
- His remains are found in two places: the Cathedral of Coire and at Weltkirchen, Feldkirch, Austria.
St. Fidelis, pray for us, that we rejoice in being able to suffer for Christ in our day!
