(END OF 1ST CENT.)
[There are many Saints of this name. This S. Valerius appears in
very many of the most ancient Martyrologies. His Acts, together
with those of SS. Eucher and Maternus, his companions, was written
by a certain Goldscher, of uncertain date, but ancient; for it is
quoted by Heriger, Ab. Lobie, who died 1007. Goldscher says that he
collected the accounts he found of Valerius and his companions from
various ancient chronicles.]
Eucher, Valerius, and Maternus, according to legend wholly unreliable,
were three disciples of S. Peter, and were sent by him to preach the
Gospel in Gaul. The first was consecrated by him bishop, the second,
deacon, and Maternus, sub-deacon. S. Eucher fixed his see at Trèves,
then an important city. After his death Valerius was elevated to the
episcopate, and preached the word of God with so much zeal, that many
were added to the Church. On his death, he was succeeded by S. Maternus.