Valerius II of Saragossa

Saint Valerius II of Saragossa was born in Caesaraugusta, today’s Zaragoza in Spain, and served the Church there as bishop from about 290 until his death around 315. A gentle shepherd—remembered as somewhat timid and hindered by a speech impediment—he nonetheless guided his flock with fidelity in a difficult age. He took part in the Council of Elvira, helping to strengthen Christian life and discipline in the early Church. Recognizing the needs of his people, he ordained Saint Vincent of Saragossa as a deacon and entrusted him with preaching, so that Vincent often became his public voice. During the persecution under Emperor Diocletian, Valerius and Vincent suffered imprisonment. Valerius was held captive in Valencia and later banished to Enetum near Barbastro, where he endured exile for Christ before dying in peace. Venerated especially in Zaragoza, he is patron of the city, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zaragoza, and also of Lu, Lu e Cuccaro Monferrato, and Occimiano. His feast day is January 29.