er
chastisements would not induce him to renounce the Faith, his father
delivered the brave boy up to Valerian, the governor, who in vain
employed every artifice to shake his constancy. Finally he commanded
Vitus to be scourged, but when two soldiers were about to execute this
order their hands and those of Valerian were suddenly lamed. The
governor ascribed this to sorcery, yet he invoked Vitus' help, and
behold, when the Christian boy made the sign of the cross over the lamed
members, they were healed. Then Valerian sent him back to his father,
telling him to leave no means untried to induce his son to sacrifice to
the idols.

Hylas now tried blandishments, pleasures, and amusements to influence
the brave boy. He even sent a corrupt woman to tempt him, and for that
purpose locked them both together in one room. But Vitus, who had
remained firm amid tortures, resisted also the allurements of
sensuality. Closing his eyes, he knelt in prayer, and behold, an angel
appeared, filling the room with heavenly splendor, and stood at the
youth's side. Terrified, the woman fled. But even this miracle did not
change the obstinate father.

Finally Vitus escaped, and with Modestus and Crescentia fled to Italy.
They landed safe in Naples, and there proclaimed Christ wherever they
had an opportunity. Their fervor and many miracles which they wrought
attracted the attention of Emperor Diocletian to them. He ordered them
to be brought before his tribunal, which being done, he at first treated
them kindly, employing blandishments and making promises to induce them
to renounce Christ. When this had no effect, they were cruelly
tormented, but with no other result than confirming them in their
constancy. Enraged, the emperor condemned them to be thrown to the wild
beasts. But the lions and tigers forgot their ferocity and cowered at
their feet. Now Diocletian, whose fury knew no bounds, ordered them to
be cast into a caldron of molten lead and boiling pitch. They prayed, "O
God, deliver us through the power of Thy name!" and behold, they
remained unharmed. Then the emperor condemned them to the rack, on which
they expired, in the year 303.

LESSON

THE heroic spirit of martyrdom exhibited by St. Vitus was owing to the
early impressions of piety which he received through the teaching and
example of his virtuous foster-parents. The choice of teachers, nurses,
and servants who have the care of children is of the greatest importance
on ac