St. Valerian of Abbenza

St. Valerian was the bishop of Abbenza, in North Africa. In 457, the Arian Vandals ransacked the town, led by their king Geiseric. They had been going town to town, demanding that the bishops give up their books and sacred vessels to them. When they came to Valerian’s church, he refused their demands, and they drove him out of Abbenza. No one in the city was allowed to let him into their homes, or even allow him to stay on their land. Already eighty years old, Valerian soon died of exposure, and became a Catholic martyr. His feast day is December 15.

 Question for Reflection:

  • How have you helped those worse off than you? How can you do more?

  • Have you ever rejected someone when they needed you? How did you feel afterwards?