Fidelis of Sigmaringen

Who they were

Mark Rey was born in 1577 at Sigmaringen, son of the burgomaster. After years travelling Italy, Spain and France as tutor to young noblemen, he took a doctorate in law and became 'the poor man's lawyer', defending those who could not pay. At 34 he became a priest and joined the Capuchins at Freiburg, taking the name Fidelis, and lived a life of fasting, penance and prayer.

Sent to preach among the Calvinists of the Grisons, he told his hearers he would gladly die for Christ. In 1622 a band of armed men ordered him to retract what he had just preached; he refused, was struck on the head and finished with swords, forgiving his killers as he died.

The miracles

As a martyr he did not need an approved miracle for beatification. His death led to reconciliation between Catholics and Calvinists there and to many returning to the faith.

Why that counted as sanctity

Fidelis lived up to his name: 'Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.' The lawyer of the poor became a preacher of the Gospel and gave his life for it.