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"Valerian, being espoused to St. Cecily, by her persuasion embraced the Christian faith, and was baptized by St. Urban, pope, together with his brother Tiburtius. And now, changing their lives with their faith, they employed their substance in the relief of the poor, and their time in rescuing the bodies of such as were martyred from the contempt and fury of the heathens, and giving them decent burial. For which charitable offices being accused, and having made a noble defence of their faith in the public confession of the name of Jesus, and detestation of the idols, they were first scourged, and afterwards beheaded. So wonderful an effect had their constancy, resolution, and patience, on the mind of Maximus, one of the officers who had led them to execution, that he declared himself a Christian, and soon after received the crown of martyrdom with several others of his companions.

Pray for all those who suffer for their faith, or labour under any oppression or trouble, that God would give them courage and patience, support them against all dejection of spirit, and teach them to make a right use of their sufferings. Put up the same prayers for yourself.

Pray for all those who embrace the true faith, that with it they may begin a new life, follow the rules of the Gospel, and by their good example contribute to the salvation of others.

Pray for those whose quality and estates set them in a rank above their neighbours; that they may make a Christian use of all their blessings, that they may not rob their own souls or the poor, either by prodigality, or hard-heartedness; but by their moderation give good example, and by their charity learn to lay up treasures in heaven.

Pray for those who seem most obstinate against the truth; and for all oppressors and persecutors. Remember to despair of none, since you see that those who lead others to execution may come to lay down their necks on the same block. Your virtue and patience may be a help to this; and by these you may not only possess your own soul, but contribute to save the souls of others." The Catholic Year by Rev. John Gother.

"He was born in Spain, and having qualified himself by virtue and learning for the service of the Church, assisted his brother St. Leander, archbishop of Seville, in the conversion of the Visigoths, from the Arian heresy. After the death of his brother, he was, much against his will, chosen to succeed him His election was confirmed by St. Gregory the Great, who also appointed him his Apostolic Vicar over the whole of Spain.

In his episcopal career it is incredible how constant, humble, and patient he was; as well as solicitous for keeping up Christian and ecclesiastical discipline. Indeed he was eminent in all virtue; and distinguished also for great learning, and a general acquaintance with ancient writers, both sacred and profane. He was a great promoter and encourager of monastic institutions throughout Spain; and built several monasteries and colleges. He compiled many useful works, in which he takes in the whole circle of the sciences; and many portions of his writings were embodied in the canon law of the Church.

When St. Isidore was almost fourscore years old, though age and fatigues had undermined and broken his health, he never interrupted his usual exercises and labours. During the last six months of his life, he increased his charities with such profusion, that the poor of the whole country crowded his house from morning till night. Perceiving his end to draw near, he entreated two bishops to come to see him. With them he went to the church, where one of them covered him with sackcloth, and the other put ashes on his head. Clothed with the habit of penance, he stretched his hands towards heaven, prayed with great earnestness, and begged aloud the pardon of his sins. He then received from the hands of the bishops the Body and blood of our Lord, recommended himself to the prayers of all that were present, remitted the bonds of all his debtors, exhorted the people to charity, and caused all the money which he had not as yet disposed of to be distributed among the poor. This done, he returned to his own house, and calmly departed this life four days after, on the 4th of April, in the year 636.