Fidelis of Como

Saint Fidelis of Como
Died	c. 304 north side of Lake Como
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church
Major shrine	Relics claimed by Milan, Como, and Arona
Feast	October 28; March 13 (With Felinus and Gratian, and Carpophorus)
Attributes	Military attire

Saint Fidelis of Como (Italian: San Fedele) (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 Theban Legion, who deserted during the persecution of Christians by Maximian. They were caught and executed at Como. The second says that Fidelis was an army officer who was guarding Christian prisoners at Milan, including Saint 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. The martyrdom of Fidelis is considered to have occurred on the north side of Lake Como, near Samolaco.

The cult of Fidelis at Como is ancient.Magnus Felix Ennodius describes, in the early sixth century, a tomb at Como containing the relics of the martyr. Reports of miracles at the tomb fomented the popularity of his cult. Sometime before 1000, the church of Sanfedelino, which was dedicated to him, was built on the site of a much earlier simple chapel, which dates from around the fourth century.

Milan, Como, and Arona claim the relics of Fidelis.

Relics are said to have been transferred to Arona during a time of war between Milan and Como. In Arona, the presence of the relics of Fidelis and Carpophrous is attested in documents dating back to 1259 and 1321.

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