Saint Valerius of Zaragoza - January 29
Saint Valerius of Saragossa (Spanish: San Valero) (d. 315 AD) is the patron saint of Saragossa. He was bishop of this city from 290 until his death. He assisted at the Council of Elvira.[1] His feast day is January 29.
Valerian was bishop of Caesaraugustana (Saragossa) from 290 until 315. There are few records of Valerius but tradition holds that he had a speech impediment, and that the deacon, Vincent of Saragossa, acted as his spokesman.[2]
Both Valerius and Vincent suffered imprisonment under Diocletian. Vincent was martyred at Valencia. Valerius was exiled for a time to a place called Enet, near Barbastro,[1] but is known to have been present at the Council Elvira, (ca.306).[3]
His relics were discovered around 1050. An idealised portrait of this Bishop is found in the magnificent Pantaleão, 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.