Saints Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia

Martyrs
(Died c. 303)

Saints Vitus, Modestus, and Crescentia were martyrs of the persecution of Diocletian who suffered in Sicily, or according to some traditions in Lucania in southern Italy, around the year 303. The historical details of their lives are obscured by legendary elaborations, but their veneration is of very great antiquity and is attested by early martyrologies and by a basilica built in their honour in Rome in the fourth century.

According to the Acts that bear their names, Vitus was a young boy, the son of a pagan senator of Sicily named Hylas. He had been secretly baptized as an infant and raised in the faith by his tutor Modestus and his nurse Crescentia, both of whom were Christians. When his father discovered his faith, he tried every means to make the boy apostatize, but Vitus remained steadfast, reportedly working miracles that only increased his father's fury.

The three Christians fled to Italy, where Vitus cured the son of the Emperor Diocletian of demonic possession. Far from being grateful, Diocletian accused Vitus of sorcery and had all three arrested. After enduring lions, fire, and boiling oil without harm, they were released by an angel, but succumbed shortly afterward to the wounds they had received.

Saint Vitus became one of the most popular saints of the Middle Ages and is numbered among the Fourteen Holy Helpers. He is the patron saint of Bohemia, of dancers, and of those suffering from epilepsy, which was once called Saint Vitus' Dance. His feast is celebrated on June 15.