Saint Vitalian of Capua

detail of an antique Italian holy card depicting Saint Vitalian being sewn into a leather bag; date and artist unknown; swiped from Santi e Beati Also known as

Vitalian of Caudium
Vitalian of Montesarchio
Vitaliano of…

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Reluctant 7th century bishop of Caudium (in modern Montesarchio), Campania, Italy.

The earliest written record we have of his life is a 12th century manuscript found in the church library in Benevento, Italy; its authenticity is questionable, but its story of one of the pivotal moments of the life Vitalian became very popular –

When chosen bishop by the people of the region, which the custom in those days, he was roundly abused by his enemies, including priests who had wanted the seat. He was accused of preaching chastity without practicing it, and being involved in debauchery. Vitalian denounced their lies, then packed up and left the city, intending to go to Rome, Italy and present himself for audience with the pope. His enemies followed him, captured him, tied him in a leather bag, and threw him into the Garigliano River to drown. He floated to the coast of Ostia, Italy where he was rescued from the bag by some fishermen, and emerged unharmed. He stayed along the coast several months, during which there was famine, drought and plague back in the city that had betrayed and abused him. Their misery ended only when Vitalian returned to them; his entry to the city caused the first rain in months. Known as a miracle worker during the time he remained there.

Later in life he retired to live as a hermit at Milarum near Caserta, Italy, and then to Montevergine where he is reputed to have built a chapel and oratory dedicated the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Died

699 in Montevergine, Avellino, Italy of natural causes
buried at the chapel he had built
the place of his burial became over-grown and lost for a few years until re-discovered by some shepherds when his remains exuded a beautiful perfume that drew them to the site
by 716, he had been re-interred in Benevento, Italy by Bishop Giovianni V
relics hidden from Saracen invaders in 914
by an order of Pope Callistus II on 27 October 1121, relics transferred to Catanzaro, Italy in 1122 as part of the celebration of the establishment of the diocese of Catanzaro
some old stories indicate that the relics were enshrined in Osimo, Italy for a time, but there are no records of the move, just stories that it happened, but it led to his association with Capua, Italy and the 16 July commemoration
Pietro Ruffo, Count of Catanzaro, built a chapel beside the Catanzaro Cathedral in 1311 to enshrine Vilatian’s relics
in 1583, when the chapel had fallen into a state of ruin, Bishop Nicolò Orazio had the relics re-enshrined in a velvet lined cask under the altar in the church of Our Lady of Catanzaro
pure water is reported to flow from the relics