Vitalis of Milan

Saint Vitalis of Milan was born in Milan, Italy, in the early centuries of the Church, remembered in Christian tradition as a wealthy citizen and perhaps a soldier. He was married to Saint Valeria of Milan, and later legend names them as the parents of the martyrs Gervasius and Protasius. According to the ancient account, Vitalis accompanied the judge Paulinus from Milan to Ravenna. There he strengthened the faith of Ursicinus of Ravenna as Ursicinus faced execution, and afterward ensured his honorable burial—an act of courage that revealed Vitalis himself as a follower of Christ. Arrested for his faith, he is said to have endured torture and was finally cast into a deep pit, buried beneath stones and earth, giving his life as a martyr in Ravenna during a time of imperial persecution. Venerated especially in Ravenna, he is honored as patron of many communities, including Annone Veneto, Granarolo dell’Emilia, and Marittima. His feast day is April 28.