St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen
| St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen | |
|---|---|
| Saint | St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen |
| Stage | Saint |
| Birthdate | 1577 |
| Birthplace | Sigmaringen, Germany |
| Birth Coordinates | |
| Deathdate | April 24, 1622 |
| Death Place | Seewis im Prättigau, Switzerland |
| Death Coordinates | |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom |
| Notable Location 1 | Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany (University) |
| Notable Location 1 Coordinates | |
| Notable Location 2 | Constance, Germany (Theological studies) |
| Notable Location 2 Coordinates | |
| Notable Location 3 | |
| Notable Location 3 Coordinates | |
| Notable Location 4 | |
| Notable Location 4 Coordinates | |
| Notable Location 5 | |
| Notable Location 5 Coordinates | |
| Beatification Date | March 24, 1729 |
| Beatified by | Pope Benedict XIII |
| Beatification Location | Rome, Italy |
| Canonized | Yes |
| Canonization Date | June 29, 1746 |
| Canonized by | Pope Benedict XIV |
| Canonization Location | Rome, Italy |
| Miracle 1 | Posthumous miracles at his tomb |
| Miracle 2 | Healing of a nun from a severe illness |
| Miracle 3 | |
| Feast Day | April 24 |
| Profession | Lawyer, Priest, Franciscan Friar |
| Religious Affiliation | Order of Friars Minor Capuchin |
| Patronage | Lawyers, Sigmaringen, Germany |
| Attributes | Crucifix, sword, palm of martyrdom |
| Primary Shrine | Capuchin Church of St. Fidelis, Sigmaringen, Germany |
| Additional Veneration | |
St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, born Mark Rey, was a lawyer who turned to the religious life, becoming a Capuchin Franciscan priest known for his zeal in combating heresy[1].
He was sent to preach against Calvinism in Switzerland, where he met his martyrdom in 1622[2]. His commitment to the poor and his martyrdom have made him a revered figure[3].
Biography
Birth
Fidelis was born in 1577 in Sigmaringen, Germany[4].
Early Life
Raised in a family where his father was the mayor, he received a good education[2].
Occupation
He practiced law, earning the nickname "the poor man's lawyer" for his advocacy for the underprivileged[5].
Vocation
Disenchanted with the legal profession's corruption, he joined the Capuchin Franciscans in 1612, becoming a friar named Fidelis[1].
Death
He was martyred on April 24, 1622, in Seewis, Switzerland, while defending the Catholic faith against Calvinism[3].
Significant events
- Studied philosophy and law at the University of Freiburg[4].
- Taught philosophy and practiced law before his religious calling[5].
- Preached to convert Calvinists and Zwinglians in Switzerland[1].
Death
St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen died a martyr after being attacked by a mob for his Catholic preaching.
Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize Fidelis as a Servant of God likely began in the late 17th century, but exact details are not documented[2].
Venerable
He was declared Venerable for his life of heroic virtue, though the exact date isn't known[2].
Beatification
Beatified on March 24, 1729, by Pope Benedict XIII[1].
Canonization
Canonized on June 29, 1746, by Pope Benedict XIV[1].
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
Miracles reported at his tomb were instrumental in his beatification[2].
Miracle for canonization
A healing miracle involving a nun with a severe illness was credited for his canonization[3].
Other notable miracles
- Various posthumous miracles attributed to his intercession[2].
Patronage
St. Fidelis is the patron saint of lawyers and Sigmaringen, Germany[2].
Feast day
His feast day is celebrated on April 24[2].
Veneration
St. Fidelis is venerated in the Capuchin Church in Sigmaringen where his relics are kept, and he's remembered for his dedication to the poor and his ultimate sacrifice for the faith[3].
Books
Written about the saint
- His life and martyrdom are detailed in various hagiographies and Capuchin publications[4].
Written by the saint
- St. Fidelis did not leave any known written works[4].
External links
- Catholic Online article on St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen[2]
- New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia on St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen[1]
- Capuchin Order on St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen[3]
- Catholic Ireland on St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen[5]
- Wikipedia entry on Fidelis of Sigmaringen[4]