ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN SEPTEMBER
Saints celebrated on the 16th of September
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SAINT VITALIS OF SAVIGNY, FOUNDER
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| Eglise de Savigny |
Saint Vitalis was the founder of the monastery and Congregation of Savigny (1112), born at Tierceville near Bayeux about 1060-1065; he died at Savigny, September 16, 1122.
HE BECAME CHAPLAIN TO THE CONQUEROR'S BROTHER
His parents were named Rainfred and Rohais. We know nothing of his early years; after ordination he became chaplain to the Conqueror’s brother, Robert of Mortain (died 1100).
Vitalis gained the respect and confidence of Robert, who bestowed upon him a canonry in the Church of St Evroult at Mortain, which he had founded in 1082.
SEEKING A MORE PERFECT STATE OF LIFE
But Vitalis felt within him a desire for a more perfect state of life. He gave up his canonry in 1095, settled at Dompierre, 19 miles east of Mortain, and became one of the leaders of the hermit colony of the forest of Craon.
IN THE HERMIT COLONY
Here for seventeen years he lived an ascetical life. At the same time he concerned himself, like Robert of Arbrissel, with the salvation of the surrounding population, giving practical help to the outcasts who gathered round him.
HE WAS A GREAT PREACHER
He was a great preacher, remarkable for zeal, insensible to fatigue, and fearlessly outspoken; he is said to have attempted to reconcile Henry I of England with his brother, Robert Curthose.
HE FOUNDED A NUNNERY AT MORTAIN
He seems to have visited England and a considerable part of western France, but Normandy was the chief scene of his labours. Between 1105 and 1120 he founded a nunnery at Mortain, with his sister Saint Adeline as abbess.
Source: Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913
PRAYER:
Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Vitalis may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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