St. Fidelis was born Mark Rey in 1577 in Germany. He studied law and practiced as an attorney. He became known as “the poor man’s lawyer” because of his concern for the unprivileged.

Unsatisfied with his secular life, Mark left his profession, joined the Capuchin Franciscans, and received the name “Fidelis” which means “faithful.” His name is a reference from the Book of Revelation, “Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

As a Capuchin, St. Fidelis wholeheartedly embraced poverty and simplicity. He prayed and fasted as well as dedicated his efforts to preaching and writing about the word of God.

In 1621, he was sent to Switzerland to address the spread of Calvinist Protestantism. He preached, offered instruction, and engaged in theological arguments both within the Catholic churches in Switzerland but also in public spaces.

The Swiss Protestants responded with hostility towards St. Fidelis. On April 24, 1622, a riot took place outside a church where St. Fidelis was preaching. St. Fidelis had a chance to escape but he chose to face the mob and was given two choices – his life or his Catholic beliefs. St. Fidelis boldly chose his faith, “The Catholic religion is the faith of all ages. I fear not death, ” he proclaimed.

St. Fidelis was attacked, beaten, and stabbed to death. He was canonized in 1746.

Other Saints of the Day:
St. Deodatus of Blois
St. Bova of Rheims
St. Gregory of Elvira
St. Mary Salome