| Legend
has it that during the 3rd century, the emperor Diocleziano
persecuted Christians. Vito (born in Màzaro Del Valle,
Sicily) was the son of the noble Hila who was a pagan. Vito,
raised by his caregivers (Modesto and Crescenza), honoured and
loved Jesus, the son of our God. Hila tried to persuade his
beloved son Vito to change faith, but Vito insisted that no
torture would ever change his beliefs.
By means of Vito
and for the grace of God, many blind regained their sight
and many ill were healed. The blessed and persistent Vito
taught the people the love of our Lord and many converted
received baptism.
An evil spirit possessed
the son of Diocleziano. Vito, with the love of God, removed
the evil spirit from Diocleziano's son. For helping his son,
Diocleziano offered Vito all the riches if he would give up
his belief. Vito would not accept. For not accepting his gift,
Diocleziano promised Vito that he would not survive all the
torture that will be bestowed upon him.
Diocleziano locked
Vito up in a prison for days, covered him with 80 pounds of
lead and was given no food, but Vito escaped unharmed. He
placed Vito in an arena with the most ferocious beasts, but
Vito tamed them. He put Vito into a fire hot enough to burn
lead, but Vito prayed to Jesus and suddenly there was a great
earthquake and terrible thunderbolts. The times of idolizing
ended and many people died.
As Vito was saved
from the fire, he prayed for his followers' salvation and
for him to become a martyr. His prayers were answered and
on June 14, 303 or 304 AC, San Vito (along with his caregivers
Saint Modesto and Saint Crescenza) became martyrs.
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