Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Vitek in Chinese mythology, was an idol worshipped because of his having delivered the earth and the kingdom of heaven from the power of the daemons, who devastated them. He is usually represented as of gigantic size, very fat, and sitting upon a throne, with two demons at his side listening to his commands. Numerous … Continue reading “Vitek”

Vite, Timoteo (also called della Vite di Urbino), an Italian painter, was born at Urbino in 1470. He studied under Francesco Francia at Bologna, and returned to Urbino in 1496. From thence he repaired to the academy which his, relative Raphael had opened in the Vatican at Rome. He assisted Raphael for some time, and … Continue reading “Vite, Timoteo”

Vitalius Vitalius (Vitalis), bp. of the Apollinarian congregation at Antioch. Vitalius was a man of high character, brought up in the orthodox faith at Antioch, and ordained presbyter by Meletius (Theod. H. E. v. 4; Soz. H. E. vi. 25). Jealousy of his fellow-presbyter Flavian caused a breach between him and his bishop, deprived of … Continue reading “Vitalius”

Vitalism (Lat. vita, life) The doctrine that phenomena of life possess a character sui generis by virtue of which they differ radically from physico-chemical phenomena. The vitalist ascribes the activities of living organisms to the operation of a “vital force” such as Driesch’s “entelechy” or Bergson’s elan vital. (See H. Driesch, Der Vttalismus als Geschichte … Continue reading “Vitalism”

Vitalis, Saint Martyr. His legend, which is of little historical value, relates that he was martyred by order of a judge named Paulinus for having encouraged St. Ursicinus, who was wavering at the prospect of death, and for having given burial to his remains. St. Vitalis was racked and then buried alive. He was the … Continue reading “Vitalis, Saint”

Vitalis of Savigny, Saint Founder of the monastery and Congregation of Savigny (1112), b. at Tierceville near Bayeaux about 1060-5; d. at Savigny, 16 Sept., 1122. His parents were named Rainfred and Rohais. We know nothing of his early years; after ordination he became chaplain to the Conqueror’s brother, Robert of Mortain (d. 1100). Vitalis … Continue reading “Vitalis of Savigny, Saint”

Vitalis and Agricola, Saints Martyred at Bologna about 304 during Diocletian’s persecution. Agricola, who was beloved for his gentleness, converted his slave, Vitalis, to Christianity; they became deeply attached to each other. Vitalis was first to suffer martyrdom, being executed in the ampitheatre. By his tortues and by flattery the persecutors sought in vain to … Continue reading “Vitalis and Agricola, Saints”

Vitalis A. Furno a French prelate, was appointed cardinal in 1312. He opposed the Spirituals, and wrote mystical expositions of the Proverbs, the Gospels, the Apocalypse, and various other portions of the Bible. The exegesis of the French writers of this period is well illustrated by his Moral A Mirror of the whole Bible. See … Continue reading “Vitalis A. Furno”

Vitalini, Bonifazio (DE VITALINIS). Jurist, b. at Mantua, Italy, about 1320; d. at Avignon after 1388. After completing his law studies at Padua he returned to his native city and took up the practice of criminal law. While thus engaged he wrote: “Super maleficis” (Milan, 1505; Venice, 1559, 1584; Lyons, 1558; Frankfort, 1600 and 1604). … Continue reading “Vitalini, Bonifazio”

Vitalian, Pope Saint (Reigned 657-72). Date of birth unknown; d. 27 January, 672. Nothing is known of Vitalian’s life before he was raised to the Holy See. According to the “Liber Pontificalis” (ed. Duchesne, I, 343) he was a native of Segni in Campagna, and his father’s name was Anastasius. After the death of Pope … Continue reading “Vitalian, Pope Saint”