Saint Valerius | |
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San Valero. Fresco by Francisco de Goya. Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, Zaragoza. |
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Died | 315 AD |
Honored in | Eastern Orthodox Church |
Feast | January 22; feast day formerly on January 28. |
Patronage | Zaragoza |
Saint Valerius of Saragossa (Spanish: San Valero) (d. 315 AD) is the patron saint of Zaragoza. He was bishop of this city from 290 until his death. He assisted at the Council of Iliberis.[1]
Vincent of Saragossa was a disciple, companion, as well as his deacon, and both Valerius and Vincent suffered imprisonment under Diocletian.
He was exiled to a place called Enet, near Barbastro, where Valerius died, and whence his relics were translated first to Roda, the head and arm being brought thence to Zaragoza when that city had been reconquered. He may also have been killed at Zaragoza.
A chapel dedicated to him can be found at La Seo Cathedral. It includes a baroque entryway of gilded wood from the seventeenth century with scenes of the saints Valerius, Vincent, and Lawrence.