The Basics: Born September 14, 1869, in Spain; died August 30, 1936, in Spain; beatified September 5, 2015, by Pope Francis; feast day, August 30; woman religious, nurse, and martyr.
The Story: Maria Dolores Oller Angelats, known in religious life as Fidela, was the oldest of four children, born into a family of potters. She was drawn to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Gerona at an early age, but returned home for a few years after her first attempt. Ultimately, she processed her final vows in 1902.
Religious life with these sisters who provided home and hospital care for the sick proved to be a good fit, 
and Fidela was sent to a number of cities to serve as the congregation’s leader. In 1926, she went to Gandia in eastern Spain to found a community and serve as its superior. About ten years later, the Spanish Civil War came to the town, including the burning of the local collegiate church on August 2, 1936. Fidela was told to turn over funds and records to the militia, but she had already sent the materials to the motherhouse more than three hundred miles away. She went into hiding, but it was to no avail. On the evening of August 28, 1936, the hiding place she shared with Mother Josefa Monrabal, thirty-five, was revealed. The two women were taken away in a truck, Fidela’s arm being broken along the way. They were both shot several times and left to bleed to death of their injuries overnight. Mother Facunda Marengat Roura of the same congregation was killed a few days earlier in Barcelona.
What We Can Learn from Fidela: Few of us are called to martyrdom, but we never know. Pray for the courage and faith of Fidela and the other women if the situation presents itself in your life. Are you ready to die for Christ?
To Learn More About Fidela: Take a look at the site devoted to the three women and their stories. The Collegiate Basilica of Gandia also may be of interest.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my books, Blessed Are You: Finding Inspiration from Our Sisters in Faith or Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
