Vitalius the Roman

Holy Martyr Vitalius the Roman was one of the seven sons of the holy martyr Felicitas, put to death at Rome about the year 164.

Felicitas came from a wealthy family of Rome and had seven sons: Januarius, Felix, Philip, Silvanus, Alexander, Vitalius and Martial. The pagan priests accused her of offending the gods by spreading the Christian faith. She distributed her property and, with her sons, openly confessed faith in Christ. All were subjected to torments. Seeing the sufferings of her sons, Felicitas prayed to God that they might stand firm and enter the Kingdom of Heaven before her. All the sons died as martyrs before their mother's eyes, and after them she too met a martyr's end. Saint Gregory the Dialogist devoted a homily to her, the third, delivered in the church that bears her name.

Saint Vitalius is commemorated on 7 February, in the new style, together with his mother and brothers.