Embrace the Legacy of St. Fidelis: Stand Boldly in Faith

St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, born Mark Roy in 1577 in Sigmaringen, Germany, was a man of extraordinary conviction and faith. Initially a lawyer known as the “poor man’s lawyer” for his dedication to helping the oppressed, he became disillusioned with the corruption in his profession. This led him to join the Capuchin Order, where he took the name Fidelis, meaning “faithful.”

As a Capuchin friar, St. Fidelis devoted himself to preaching, caring for the sick, and defending the Catholic faith during the turbulent times of the Counter-Reformation. His mission took him to Switzerland, where he worked tirelessly to convert Calvinists and Zwinglians back to Catholicism. Despite knowing the dangers, he remained steadfast in his mission, even when faced with threats of violence.

In 1622, while preaching in Seewis, Switzerland, St. Fidelis was attacked by a group of armed men who demanded he renounce his faith. He refused, declaring, “I came to enlighten you, not to betray the truth.” He was martyred for his unwavering commitment to Christ and was canonized in 1746 by Pope Benedict XIV. His life remains a powerful testament to courage, faith, and the ultimate sacrifice for truth.

Courage of St. Fidelis

In today’s world, the need for courage has never been greater. St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen showed us what true bravery looks like. He preached against heresies, fearlessly defending the Catholic faith with unshakable conviction. Even in his final moments, facing certain death, he declared with unwavering resolve: “I came to enlighten you, not to betray the truth.”

This is the ultimate act of courage—to live so boldly in faith that you are willing to sacrifice everything for it.

While we may not be called to lay down our lives for our beliefs, we are called to something equally profound:

• To live for our faith with purpose and integrity.
• To stand firm when our beliefs are challenged.
• To act with unwavering conviction, even in the face of adversity.

The Missionary Oblates embody the courage and devotion of St. Fidelis. They need support to continue this work.

Missionary Oblates are Committed to the Mission to the Poor

For more than 200 years, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate have embodied the same spirit of courage and conviction that defined the life of St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen. With unshakable faith, Oblates have carried the Gospel to the farthest corners of the earth, serving in the most challenging and dangerous environments. Some have been martyred for their faith as well.

Their mission is a bold testament to their unwavering commitment:

• Proclaiming the Gospel in places where others dare not go, often in the face of persecution and hardship.
• Bringing light and hope to the most abandoned and oppressed, reminding them of God’s enduring love.
• Standing for justice and defending the faith, even when confronted with immense challenges and threats.

In areas like the war-ravaged regions of Ukraine, where faith provides comfort amid chaos, to the impoverished streets of Peru, where hope is a scarce but a precious gift, the Missionary Oblates continue to take Christ’s message of compassion and redemption to those who need it most.

They do not shy away from the toughest battles—they seek them out in the name of truth and mission. But this sacred mission requires support. Together, with your generosity, their work can continue to bring faith, hope, and healing to the most neglected corners of the world.

The Courage to Answer the Call?

This is your moment to follow in the footsteps of St. Fidelis, whose unwavering bravery and faith changed the course of history. He didn’t falter. He didn’t turn away. He stood strong in the face of adversity and gave everything for the truth.

Your generosity is a declaration of hope. It’s a beacon for those in despair, a lifeline for the oppressed, and a promise that they are not alone.

• Be the light in darkness.
• Be the voice for the voiceless.
• Be the hand of compassion and love.