Saint Vitalian of Capua

Biography

Saint Vitalian of Capua, also known as Vitalian of Caudium, Vitalian of Montesarchio, and Vitaliano of Osimo, was a reluctant bishop of Caudium in Campania, Italy during the 7th century. Although the earliest written record of his life comes from a 12th-century manuscript found in the church library in Benevento, Italy, its authenticity is questionable. However, one of the pivotal moments in Vitalian's life described in this manuscript has become widely popular. According to the manuscript, when Vitalian was chosen as bishop by the people of the region, which was the custom of the time, he faced severe abuse from his enemies, including priests who had desired the position. False accusations were made against him, claiming that he preached chastity without practicing it and engaged in debauchery. Undeterred, Vitalian courageously denounced these lies and decided to leave the city. His intention was to go to Rome, Italy and present himself for an audience with the pope. However, his enemies pursued him, captured him, and tied him in a leather bag, which they threw into the Garigliano River with the intention of drowning him. Miraculously, Vitalian floated to the coast of Ostia, Italy, where he was rescued from the bag by some fishermen. Astonishingly, he emerged from this ordeal unharmed. He stayed along the coast for several months, during which time his former city was plagued by famine, drought, and disease. However, upon Vitalian's return to the city, their misery ended, as his entry caused the first rainfall in months. It was during this period that Vitalian became renowned as a miracle worker. Later in life, Saint Vitalian retired to live as a hermit at Milarum near Caserta, Italy. He eventually moved to Montevergine, where he reputedly built a chapel and oratory dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Although there is no specific representation associated with him, he is honored by the Catholic Church as a saint. Saint Vitalian of Capua passed away in 699 in Montevergine, Avellino, Italy, due to natural causes. He was buried at the chapel he had built. However, over time, the place of his burial became overgrown and lost. It was only rediscovered years later by some shepherds who were drawn to the site by the beautiful perfume exuding from his remains. By 716, his relics had been re-interred in Benevento, Italy, by Bishop Giovianni V. In 914, to protect them from Saracen invaders, the relics were hidden. On October 27, 1121, Pope Callistus II ordered their transfer to Catanzaro, Italy, as part of the celebration of the establishment of the diocese of Catanzaro. While there are stories indicating a brief enshrinement in Osimo, Italy, there are no official records of such a move. Nevertheless, this association led to the commemoration of Saint Vitalian on July 16 in Capua, Italy. In 1311, Count Pietro Ruffo of Catanzaro constructed a chapel beside the Catanzaro Cathedral to enshrine Saint Vitalian's relics. However, by 1583, the chapel had fallen into disrepair. Bishop Nicolò Orazio subsequently had the relics re-enshrined in a velvet-lined cask under the altar in the church of Our Lady of Catanzaro. It is said that pure water flows from these relics, further adding to their veneration. Saint Vitalian of Capua is recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church on the pre-congregation calendar. He is the patron saint of Catanzaro, Italy, as well as the archdiocese of Catanzaro-Squillace, Italy. Additionally, he is invoked as the patron saint of San Vitaliano, Italy, and Sparanise, Italy.