SAINT VITALIS, ABBOT - 12 APRIL

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN APRIL

Saints celebrated on the 12th of April

SAINT VITALIS, ABBOT

Abbot Vitalis lived at the Basilian monastery at Rappolla in Calabria in the second half of the 10th century. He is known for his great holiness and austerity and died around A.D. 994. 

The history of his Vita is fabulous, which is why we refrain from excerpts. 

All that is certain is that he came from Sicily, where he was born in Castro Nuovo in Balle Mazara of rich and pious parents (his father is said to have been Sergius, his mother's name was Chrysonica) and raised in all piety. 

When he had finished his studies, he opted for the life of a hermit after completing a pilgrimage to Rome. 

At Terracina he was bitten by a snake, but healed completely by making the Sign of the Cross. The foothills of the Apennine Mountains provided him with suitable places to stay, which he changed frequently. He also lived twelve years near Mount Gibello, Sicily. 

He is also credited with founding a convent for the poor. 

St Vitalis spent the last days of his life in the monastery mentioned above. The translation of his relics was celebrated there on April 28. The Roman Martyrology* does not mention him. 

St Vitalis is also commemorated on March 8 and March 9.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 5, Augsburg, 1882)

*A hagiography source used by the authors 

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

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.