Daily Saint

St. Fidelis successfully converted numerous Swiss Calvinists to Catholicism during the Counter-Reformation by combining zealous preaching, theological expertise, and dedicated charity for the poor and sick. He actively preached in public, conducted debates, and wrote pamphlets defending Catholic doctrine against Calvinism and Zwinglianism. His intellectual defense of the Faith led to the conversion of many, including influential individuals such as Rodolph de Salis, a leader in Zürich, Switzerland. Rodolph was considered the most influential man in the town, and his conversion by the Capuchin friar in 1622 was a notable success that led many others to return to the Catholic Faith. His charitable works and care for sick soldiers during epidemics, as well as his life of austerity, prayer, and devotion to the Eucharist, earned respect and supported his arguments. His death at the hands of Calvinists in 1622 solidified his reputation, with one of the ministers involved in his murder converting shortly after.

During a severe plague epidemic in Austria or Switzerland in the early 1620s, St. Fidelis was a fearless caregiver to sick soldiers, providing “humble” care, serving as a nurse during a petechia epidemic. He also attended to their spiritual needs and provided pastoral care. As guardian of a Capuchin friary, he continuously attended to infected troops, often risking contagion, and was credited with healing many afflicted by the disease. He used the Capuchin friary he was guarding to house and treat the sick, with a particular focus on soldiers. As a follower of St. Francis of Assisi, he disregarded the high risk of infection, seeing it as his duty to care for the ”weak and needy.” His actions during this time were a testament to his dedication to serving the suffering, and he was revered for his charitable deeds.