Saint Valerius of San Pedro De Montes

Biography

Saint Valerius of San Pedro de Montes, also known as Valerius of Astorga, Valerius del Bierzo, Valerius Berdigensis, and Valerio, was born in the 7th century in Astorga, Spain. Coming from a noble background, he felt a strong calling to the religious life from an early age. Valerius dedicated himself to God and joined the Order of Saint Benedict as a monk. After spending some time in the monastery, Valerius felt a yearning for solitude and spiritual contemplation. Inspired by the desert hermits of the early Christian era, he decided to retire from the monastery and live as a hermit in the desert. This period of solitude allowed him to deepen his relationship with God and devote himself entirely to prayer and asceticism. However, after a period of time, Valerius felt guided to return to monastic life. He recognized the value of community and the importance of serving others within the context of a religious community. Therefore, he left his hermitage and rejoined his fellow monks in the monastery. Due to his exceptional spiritual insight and dedication to the monastic life, Valerius was eventually appointed as the abbot of the monastery San Pedro de Montes in Galicia, Spain. As the abbot, he led his community with wisdom and humility, instilling a sense of discipline and devotion among the monks. Throughout his life, Valerius wrote several ascetic writings, which offered guidance and inspiration to those seeking a deeper spiritual life. His profound teachings focused on the contemplative life, the pursuit of virtue, and the renunciation of worldly attachments. Saint Valerius of San Pedro de Montes lived during a challenging period in history when the Visigothic Kingdom was facing political upheaval and religious turmoil. Despite these difficulties, Valerius remained steadfast in his faith and strived to lead others by example. He passed away in the year 695, leaving behind a legacy of piety and devotion to God. Although not much is known about his physical appearance or any specific miracles attributed to him, his writings and his humble service to God continue to inspire and guide believers today. Although not widely recognized as a patron saint of a specific cause or profession, Saint Valerius of San Pedro de Montes remains an important figure in the history of Christian spirituality. His commitment to the monastic life and his profound teachings on asceticism make him a revered saint within the Catholic Church.