He gave up his canonry in 1095, settled at Dompierre, 19 miles east of Mortain, and became one of the leaders of the hermit colony of the forest of Craon together with Bernard of Thiron and Robert of Arbrissel.

At the same time he concerned himself, like his mentor Robert of Arbrissel, with the salvation of the surrounding population, giving practical help to the outcasts who gathered round him.

[6] He was also an itinerant preacher, remarkable for zeal, insensible to fatigue, and fearlessly outspoken; he is said to have attempted to reconcile Henry I of England with his brother, Robert Curthose.

[7] Between 1112 and 1122 Vitalis was abbot of the newly founded abbey of Savigny whose protection was guaranteed by Pope Calixtus II in Angers in September 1119.

Stephen wrote in his prologue to this vita that his sources include vernacular writing, recollection of trustworthy men as well as Vitalis' mortuary roll, particularly the cover letter.