A portrait of St. Vitalis of Gaza
St. Vitalis of Gaza
d. c. 625
Feast
April 11 · VII c.
Patron of
Prostitutes · Conversion · Hidden charity
Order
Monk / Penitent
Egyptian monk-penitent (d. c. 625), of Gaza, who at age 60 left his monastery and entered the brothels of Alexandria each night to pray for and convert the prostitutes there one by one, paying them for the night to keep silence; only after his death did the women come forward to reveal the apostolate they had concealed at his bidding. Pre-Congregation.
Life & Times
Died: c. 625 · From: Gaza / Alexandria, Egypt.
Patronage
St. Vitalis of Gaza is invoked as the patron of prostitutes, conversion, hidden charity. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Vitalis of Gaza, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.