St Fidelis of Sigmaringen Healing Oil (The poor man's Lawyer)

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St Fidelis of Sigmaringen Healing Oil

The St Fidelis of Sigmaringen healing oil is dedicated to the 17th century Capuchin saint.

Fidelis would often give a man the clothes right off his back. Subsequently, complete generosity to others characterized this saint’s life.

He was born in 1577.  Mark Rey became a lawyer who constantly upheld the causes of the poor and oppressed people. Also, they called him “the poor man’s lawyer.” Rey soon grew disgusted with the corruption and injustice he saw among his colleagues. Consequently, he left his law career. He become a priest.  He joined his brother George as a member of the Capuchin Order. Fidelis was his religious name. His wealth was divided between needy seminarians and the poor.

As a follower of Saint Francis of Assisi, Fidelis continued his devotion to the weak and needy. During a severe epidemic in a city Fidelis cared for and cured many sick soldiers.

He was sent to preach against the Calvinists and Zwinglians in Switzerland. Almost certain violence threatened. The success of his mission was more attributable to the prayer of Fidelis during the night than to his sermons and instructions.

He was accused of opposing the peasants’ national aspirations for independence from Austria. He preached at Seewis, against the advice of his friends. A gun was fired at him, but he escaped unharmed. A Protestant offered to shelter Fidelis.  However, he declined, saying his life was in God’s hands. On the road back, he was set upon by a group of armed men and killed.

Fidelis was canonized in 1746. Fifteen years later he was recognized as a martyr.