A lawyer from Sigmaringen in Germany who defended the poor without fee, he later joined the Capuchins. Preaching for reconciliation in the Swiss region of Graubünden, he was attacked by opponents and martyred.
Life
Fidelis was born Mark Roy in 1578 in Sigmaringen, Germany. He studied law and became a lawyer, and it is said he was called "the advocate of the poor" for defending them. Disillusioned by corruption in the legal world, he entered the Capuchin Franciscans in 1612 and received the name Fidelis.
He became a gifted preacher and was sent to the Graubünden region of Switzerland to preach the Gospel. In that place of bitter religious conflict, he was killed by opponents on April 24, 1622, after preaching. He was canonized in 1746.
Spirituality
As his name suggests, Fidelis' spirituality is faithfulness. He chose fidelity to God over worldly success and did not draw back from his mission even knowing the danger. Love for the poor and preaching the Gospel were one in his life.
Reflection
Saint Fidelis set aside a successful legal career to be faithful to God. What among my priorities might I need to let go of to be more faithful to Him?