Saint Vitalis of Assisi is an interesting patron saint. As a young man Vitalis was a sinner; he was especially fond of sex. However, he found an alternative path by going on pilgrimages across Europe, becoming a Benedictine monk and living as a hermit without money.
Saint Vitalis of Assisi is the patron saint of sexually transmitted diseases. That’s right, Vitalis is the saint of STD.
A decapitated head, believed to be Saint Vitalis of Assisi, will be going on auction in Ireland this Sunday. You can see the lovely item in the picture with this blog post. The auction house, Matthews Auctions Rooms, believe that the skull may be sold for around $1,650. Why so low? They’re not entirely sure if this is actually a relic of a saint – they can’t confirm the skull really is Saint Vitalis of Assisi.
In Pure Spirit
Interesting way to become a saint, huh?
What do you think about the skull? Would you bid for it? How much would you pay to own the decapitated head of the patron saint of STDs?
I want to buy it and loan it to a local Catholic Church . . . so few here in the US have genuine relics of ANY kind, much less one as amusing as this.
If it's real… would it be right to remove it from Ireland, though?