Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, glorious martyr of Jesus Christ, was born in Sigmaringen, a small town in Swabia, in 1577. After brilliant studies at the famous University of Freiburg, he earned his doctorate and was enrolled among the lawyers of Colmar, in Alsace.
He soon abandoned this profession to don the seraphic habit. In the novitiate, Fidelis lived up to his name, for despite the efforts of the demon, he made such progress on the path of perfection that he was considered a living image of his Seraphic Father. The Superiors of the Order, after admitting him to the priesthood, entrusted him with the office of Guardian.
He fulfilled this mission as only saints know how. The exact observance of the Rule and the maintenance of holy poverty were the primary objects of his zeal.
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Amid his duties, never forgetting souls, he worked for the conversion of poor sinners and, following the example of Saint Francis, ardently desired to shed his blood in defense of the Faith. He did not ask this grace of the Blessed Virgin in vain. Sent to Switzerland by the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, he devoted himself there, despite fatigue and persecution, to the conversion of Calvinists; preaching the word of God everywhere, he made the truth shine in all its splendor before the eyes of a multitude of unfortunate souls, hitherto blinded by heresy.
Hell was stirred by his successes, and one day, while he was preaching in the church, obstinate heretics summoned him to embrace the doctrine of Calvin:
“No, never,” replied the Saint with calm and firmness, “I did not come here to embrace heresy, but to combat it.”
Then these frenzied men threw themselves upon him, struck him with rage, and immolated him in the very place where the Divine Master sacrifices Himself daily for us. Thus, the invincible athlete of the faith gathered the long-desired palm of martyrdom.
May we too imitate the constancy of the blessed Fidelis, to serve Jesus Christ faithfully, despising human respect!