Vitalis of Savigny

Saint Vitalis of Savigny (* approx. 1060; † September 16, 1122 ) was the canonized founder of the Savigny Monastery and the Benedictine community of Savigny (1122).

Life

Vitalis was born around 1060–65 in Normandy in Tierceville near Bayeux as Vital de Mortain . His parents were Rainfred le Vieux and Rohais. Nothing is known about its first years. After his ordination he became chaplain to the half-brother of King William the Conqueror , Robert de Conteville, comte de Mortain († 1100). Vitalis earned the recognition and trust of Roberts, who established for him a position as canon at the church of the Abbey of Saint-Évroult near Mortain , which he had founded in 1082.

But Vitalis was drawn to a life of greater perfection. In 1095 he gave up the position of canon, settled in Dompierre , 19 miles east of Mortain, and became one of the leaders of the hermit colony in Craon Forest . Here he led an ascetic life for 17 years and was called Vital le Vieux (Vitalis the Old) after his father's name. During this time he, like his mentor Robert von Arbrissel , was concerned with the salvation and salvation of the surrounding population and provided practical help for the outcasts who gathered around him.

He was a great preacher , known for his zeal, impervious to fatigue, and downright fearless. It is said that he tried to reconcile Henry I of England with his brother, Robert II of Normandy . He has obviously toured England and much of western France; The main focus of his activity was in Normandy. Between 1105 and 1120 he founded the nunnery of the White Abbey (Abbaye Blanche) in Mortain , and his sister Adeline , who was later canonized , became its abbess. He died in Savigny on September 16, 1122.