Isn’t it compelling how a small town in Germany gave rise to a saint whose story echoes even here at Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen Roman Catholic Church? Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen. His journey is one of transformation. Mark Rey was born in 1577 in Sigmaringen. The town sits within the Principality of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen now modern-day Germany.
Mark’s father was a businessman and later mayor. His mother embraced Catholicism after marrying Mark’s father. The well-educated Mark studied law and philosophy at the University of Freiburg. He later taught philosophy there. He earned a Doctor of Law degree. Even as a student, Mark was known for his modesty and discipline. He abstained from wine and wore a hair shirt.
For six years, Mark traveled through Europe. He accompanied young Swabian gentlemen as their teacher-mentor. He frequently attended Mass. He visited hospitals and churches in every town. Mark spent hours in prayer. He was generous to the poor. Sometimes he gave away his own clothes.
Upon returning home, Mark practiced law in Colmar, Alsace, France. He became known as the “poor man’s lawyer.” He avoided personal attacks and protected reputations. Disillusioned, he left his practice. Mark joined his brother George as a Capuchin friar.
He took the name Fidelis which means faithful. It alludes to a promise in the Book of Revelation. Fidelis finished his training. He said his first Mass on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.
Fidelis preached and heard confessions. He became guardian of the Capuchin friary in Weltkirchen, Austria. During an epidemic, he cared for sick soldiers. Many reformed and some Calvinists converted because of him. The Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith sent Fidelis to preach in Graubünden. This is now a canton of eastern Switzerland.
Calvinists threatened Fidelis’ life because of his success. He prepared for martyrdom. In 1622, Fidelis entered Prättigau on the Feast of the Epiphany. His zeal angered the Calvinists.
On April 24, 1622, Fidelis preached at Grüsch. Witnesses said he suddenly stood silent. His eyes were fixed on Heaven. He predicted his own death. He signed letters “Father Fidelis, soon to be food for worms.” After the service, he traveled to Seewis. His companions noticed he was cheerful.
That day, Fidelis preached in Seewis under the protection of Austrian soldiers. Calvinist agitators called the listeners to arms. Some confronted the Austrian troops. Catholics urged Fidelis to flee. He returned alone to Grüsch. Twenty Calvinist soldiers confronted him. They demanded he renounce his faith. Fidelis refused. They murdered him.
A local account says that Fidelis was struck down. He rose on his knees. With arms outstretched he said “Pardon my enemies, O Lord. Lord Jesus, have mercy on me. Mary, Mother of God, succor me!” Soldiers continued to stab and mutilate him.
A Catholic woman witnessed the martyrdom. She found Fidelis’ eyes open. They were fixed on the heavens. Catholics buried him the next day.
The rebels were soon defeated. A Protestant minister converted. He made a public rejection of Calvinism. Six months later, Fidelis’ body was found incorrupt. Relics were sent to Coire and Weltkirchen.
Saint Fidelis’ feast day is April 24. This church, Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, stands as a testament to his unwavering faith. His story reminds us of the power of conviction and the importance of standing up for what we believe.