The few and fragmentary records of Saint Vitaliano's life allow us to reconstruct it in broad outline. Saint Vitaliano was born in ancient Capua (now Santa Maria Capua Vetere) in the 8th century. He was consecrated bishop of his city for his qualities and morals, and he carried out this mission with great humility and devotion. Despite this, he was opposed by wicked men who plotted against him and accused him of immorality during a nighttime service. Embittered, Saint Vitaliano left Capua for Rome. Vitaliano, protesting his innocence, immediately removed his habit and abandoned the diocese, heading immediately for Rome, to visit the Pope. But his enemies pursued him and, catching up with him on the seashore near ancient Sinuessa, sealed him in a leather sack and threw him into the waves. Thanks to divine protection, the Saint reached Ostia, where he was freed from the sack, safe and sound. He remained there for approximately seven months. During his absence, the city of Capua was struck by famine, disease, and severe drought, and the Capuans realized they had incurred the Lord's punishment for what they had done to the saint. They therefore did not hesitate to seek him out for forgiveness. Saint Vitarian returned to Capua and begged for the grace of rain, which fell abundantly.