Hymn to that same Saint Fidelis
1.
The great holy worthy church
brings forth Fidelis,
Who is lost to death by death
And the victor sought the stars.
2.
By having thrown aside the burden of the flesh
He is closed with a robe of glory;
Tears having been wiped from his face
He posses true joy.
3.
As cutting with a sword he dies,
A mad storm begins;
Thus it menaces the impious
The vindication of the just judge.
4.
An evil spirit enters
a certain one of the executioners;
Soon he is connected to the holy clod,
Terrible disease is excluded.
5.
With prayers of the heart and the mouth
We seek you nourishing martyr:
By your footsteps you lead us
To the reward of life.
6.
Let there be praise to the unborn father…
Fidelis of Como (died c. 304) was an Italian soldier-saint, according to Christian tradition. Fidelis' cult is associated with Carpophorus and Exanthus, two soldier-saints. Variations on their legend are applied to Fidelis. The first says that he, with Carpophorus and Exanthus, were Roman soldiers, members of the legendary, who deserted during the persecution of Christians by Maximian.[1] The three split up at Como, with Carpophorus and Exanthus going into hiding, while Fidelis took a boat across the lake to Samolaco. All were eventually caught and beheaded.[2]
The second says that Fidelis was an army officer who was guarding Christian prisoners at Milan, including Alexander of Bergamo. He managed to procure the freedom of five of these prisoners. With Carpophorus and Exanthus, he and these five attempted to make their way to the Alps, but were executed at Como.[3]
More likely, he was a Christian missionary sent by Maternus (bishop of Milan) to convert the still pagan area around Lake Como, and there met his death.[4]