12/15/2025
Today the Church remembers St. Valerian of Abbenza, an elderly bishop who stood firm when everything was taken from him—except his faith.
In the fifth century, North Africa was ruled by the A***n Vandals. They did not merely conquer land; they sought to conquer the truth. Catholic bishops were commanded to surrender the sacred vessels of their churches—chalices that held the Blood of Christ, books that proclaimed the Word of God. To the Vandals, these were objects of power. To Valerian, they were holy things belonging to God.
At nearly eighty years of age, Valerian was given a simple choice: comply and live in peace, or refuse and suffer. His answer was clear and fearless. He would not hand over what was consecrated to the Lord. In doing so, he reminded the world that what is holy cannot be bargained away for safety.
The punishment was cruel. He was driven from his city and forbidden even the smallest act of charity—no shelter, no food, no help. Left to the streets, exposed to cold and hunger, the bishop who once shepherded his flock now walked alone. And yet, in that abandonment, Valerian was never truly alone. Christ, who Himself was cast out of the city and left to die, walked with him.
St. Valerian was not martyred by a sword, but by faithful endurance. His death teaches us that martyrdom is not always sudden or dramatic. Sometimes it is slow, hidden, and quiet—remaining faithful when obedience costs us comfort, reputation, or security.
His witness speaks powerfully to us today. We may not be asked to surrender chalices, but we are often tempted to surrender truth. We are tempted to compromise the faith for acceptance, to remain silent for peace, to trade conviction for convenience. St. Valerian reminds us that the Church does not belong to the powerful of this world. It belongs to God.
As we honor him today, let us ask for his intercession: that we may guard what is sacred, speak the truth with charity, and remain faithful even when the cost is high.
May we, like St. Valerian, be willing to lose everything—so that we may never lose Christ.
