Alvito de León facts for kids

San Alvito, also known as Albite, Aloito, or Aloyto, was an important bishop in the Kingdom of León, which is now part of Spain. He served as the Bishop of León from 1057 until his death in Seville in 1063. He is especially remembered for his role in finding the remains of Saint Isidore, a very important saint.

Alvito was the son of Aloito Fernández de Saavedra, a respected nobleman who served as a senior butler to King Bermudo II of León. His mother was Urrace López of Lemos. His older brother, Arias Aloitiz, inherited their family's estates, which included a castle and lands in areas like Parga, Villalba, and Mondoñedo.

Some historical records suggest that Alvito might have been a confessor (a spiritual advisor) to King Fernando I of León. He might also have been a monk and an abbot (leader) of a monastery, possibly Sahagún or Samos. However, these details might be confused with another person who had the same name. Documents from May 1057 clearly show him as the head of the diocese of León after the previous bishop, Cipriano, stepped down.

The Journey to Seville and a Holy Discovery

In 1063, King Fernando I organized a military trip to the southern parts of the Iberian Peninsula. After his army had success, King Fernando sent Bishop Alvito and Bishop Ordoño of Astorga to Seville. Their special mission was to find and bring back the body of Saint Justa.

While they did not find Saint Justa's remains, something remarkable happened. Alvito had a vision that showed him where the body of Saint Isidore was buried. The vision also told him that his own death was near. True to the vision, Bishop Alvito died just one week after discovering Saint Isidore's tomb.

Bishop Ordoño then returned to León, bringing the bodies of both Saint Isidore and Bishop Alvito. Saint Isidore was buried in the Church of Santa Maria the Ruler, with Abbot Silos Saint Domingo present. According to a long-held tradition, before Alvito was buried, Saint Isidore appeared to King Fernando. Saint Isidore asked that his body be present at Alvito's burial, and this request was honored.

Veneration as a Saint

Even though San Alvito was never officially canonized (declared a saint by the Church) and doesn't have an official prayer, he was still honored as a saint in the Church of León. In the Spanish calendar of saints, his feast day is listed as either September 5 or November 8.

See also

In Spanish: Alvito de León para niños