Feast day: June 15
When did St. Vitus live: in the third century
Biography of St. Vitus:
The Italian Vitus, who was born in Sicily, was martyred under Diocletian and is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. Apparently, he was the only son of a senator in Sicily and was baptized at the age of 12 years for which he was persecuted several times. According to the legend, St. Vitus accomplished amazing miracles and survived several cruel tortures intact, such as being thrown into a pot with boiling oil, from which he was saved by angels. He died in 303 in Lucania. Saint Vitus is greatly venerated especially in Germany.
Patronage: Saint Vitus is the patron saint of epileptics, actors, pharmacists, restaurateurs, winemakers and pets. In addition, he is also a patron of the deaf and dumb, the miners and against storms, lightning, and infertility.
Statues and woodcarvings of St. Vitus - representation, symbolism and emblem: Saint Vitus is represented as a martyr with book and lily.