Early Life

The details of St. Vitalis’s early life are shrouded in the mists of early Christian history. He is traditionally believed to have been a citizen of Milan, possibly a soldier or a prominent member of Roman society. Some accounts suggest that he was married to St. Valeria, herself venerated as a saint, and that together they had two sons, Gervasius and Protasius, both of whom are also honored as martyrs and saints. The family’s devout Christian faith set them apart in a world where Christianity was still an illicit and frequently persecuted religion.

Context of Martyrdom

St. Vitalis lived during a period when Christians faced persecution, either under Emperor Nero (54–68 AD) or, according to some sources, Marcus Aurelius (161–180 AD). The Roman imperial authorities were suspicious and hostile towards Christianity due to its refusal to participate in state cults and its rapid spread among all levels of society.

Vitalis's martyrdom is associated with the city of Ravenna, where he is regarded as one of the city's principal patrons. According to accepted traditions, Vitalis accompanied the judge Paulinus to Ravenna. There, he witnessed the torture and imminent death of a Christian named Ursicinus. Vitalis encouraged Ursicinus to remain firm in his Christian beliefs. Observing this, the authorities arrested and interrogated Vitalis for his Christian faith. Refusing to renounce Christianity or offer sacrifices to Roman deities, he was condemned to death. According to tradition, Vitalis was thrown into a deep pit and buried alive under stones and earth.

References and Sources

Much of what is known about St. Vitalis comes from early ecclesiastical writers and local tradition, particularly from the “Acta Sanctorum”—the extensive hagiographical work begun by the Bollandists—as well as later martyrologies and liturgical calendars. While historical criticism suggests that many elements of his story are shaped by the needs and imagination of early Christian communities, the veneration of Vitalis is attested as early as the 4th century. The Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, begun in 526 and consecrated in 547, stands as a monumental tribute to his witness and has promoted devotion to him throughout the centuries (see: “Butler’s Lives of the Saints”; “The Golden Legend” by Jacobus de Voragine).

Patronage and Feast Day

St. Vitalis is venerated as the patron saint of Ravenna, Milan, and—for his courage in martyrdom—soldiers and those facing unjust persecution. Churches dedicated to his memory can be found throughout Italy and beyond, the most notable being the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, renowned for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics.

His feast day is celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church on April 28th. On this day, the faithful commemorate his courage, the steadfastness of his witness, and seek his intercession for perseverance in times of trial and adversity.

Saint Vitalis Pray for us!