About Today for

April 24

Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Priest and Martyr

Optional Memorial

“Woe betide me if I should prove myself but a half-hearted soldier in the service of my thorn-crowned Captain!” – St. Fidelis

Saint Fidelis was a Capuchin priest in the early 1600’s. Prior to Holy Orders, Fidelis showed his brilliance by teaching philosophy while earning a legal degree at the University of Freiburg in Germany. Post graduation, Fidelis toured Europe as an aristocratic tutor and became known as ‘The Poor Man’s Lawyer.’ Ultimately though, he decided he longed to work for God. His writings on spiritual exercises became well-known in his day, as did his fervent desire to keep all Christians united during this turbulent time in Church history. He was appointed to the Congregation for the Spreading of the Faith, but was martyred by several Austrian soldiers for his steadfast views on the faith.[1]

Written by Sarah Ciotti
[1] Catholicpedia: The Original Catholic Encyclopedia (1917) for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. s.v. “St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen.”
Note: Optional Memorials and Commemorations are optional celebrations and, at present, we do not include content specific to these special days. This “About Today” is provided so that you can celebrate this Saint as you worship Christ.