Vitalis of Bernay facts for kids

Vitalis of Creuilly (also known as Vitalis of Bernay) was an important Benedictine monk from a region in France called Normandy. He lived a long time ago, in the 11th century, and passed away on June 19, 1085. We know about his life from old books, like a history of Westminster Abbey written in the early 1400s by John Flete, and another one from 1751 by Richard Widmore.

Early Life and Monastic Career

Vitalis started his life as a monk at a place called Fécamp Abbey. This was a famous monastery in Normandy. Around the year 1055, he became the abbot (which means the leader) of another monastery, Bernay Abbey.

Important Friendships and Projects

Vitalis had many important connections. He was a close friend of Osbern, who was the abbot of Saint-Evroul Abbey. Vitalis even helped bury his friend Osbern in 1065.

He was also trusted by John, the abbot of Fécamp. In 1058, Abbot John gave Vitalis a big task: to set up a new monastery called Saint-Gabriel-Brécy Priory. This new monastery was started because Vitalis's brother, Richard, who was a lord in Creully, had asked for it.

Abbot of Westminster Abbey

Vitalis was chosen to become the third abbot of the famous Westminster Abbey in England. This important decision was made by William I of England, who was also known as William the Conqueror. William asked for advice from Lanfranc, who was the first Norman Archbishop of Canterbury.

Moving to England

It seems Vitalis might not have wanted to move to England at first. Some old records suggest that King William had to write a letter to Abbot John of Fécamp to get his permission for Vitalis to leave.

The exact year Vitalis became abbot of Westminster Abbey is a bit unclear. Some old books say it was 1078, while others say 1076 or 1077. When Vitalis moved to England, his brother Osbern took over as abbot back at Bernay Abbey in Normandy. King William also gave Vitalis a large piece of land called a manor in a place called Doddington, Lincolnshire.

Work at Westminster Abbey

Vitalis remained the abbot of Westminster Abbey until he died. During his time, he continued the important building work on the Abbey itself. He also helped manage projects at the nearby Westminster Palace, which was a royal residence.

Vitalis also asked a monk named Sulcard to write several historical accounts about Westminster Abbey. This helped to record the Abbey's long and interesting past.

Vitalis's Burial

When Vitalis died on June 19, 1085, he was buried inside Westminster Abbey. His grave was marked by a small white stone in the south cloister, near where another abbot named Gislebert was buried. The Latin words on his stone said that Vitalis, whose name came from the word for 'life' (vita), had passed away and rested there.

For many years after his death, a special tapestry and a silk cloth were placed on his grave every year on June 19. Two candles would also burn from the evening service (Vespers) until the end of the special prayer service (Requiem Mass) on June 20. Today, his grave is no longer marked.