Today, April 24, is the memorial of Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen.
The future saint was named Rey when he was born in 1577 in Germany. He was known to be a role model for humility and chastity in his youth.
He was a brilliant lawyer who had a devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and made many acts of charity.
When Rey became Capuchin friar, he was given the religious name Fidelis. He gave up his riches to help the poor. He cultivated a life of penance and prayer.
He was an effective priest and preacher, able to convert Calvinists. His success in converting them angered the hard-core Calvinists of his area.
In 1622, he was martyred by these heretics.
Fidelis was beatified by Pope Benedict XIII in 1729. Pope Benedict XIV canonized him in 1746.