Valerius and Rufinus (died 287 AD) are venerated as Christian saints and martyrs. Their legend states that they were imperial tax collectors in Soissons who were pious Christians. They were ordered to be arrested by Rictius Varus, the praefectus-praetorii in Gaul. The two saints hid themselves, but were eventually caught, and then tortured and beheaded on the high road leading to Soissons.
Rufinus is one of the 140 Colonnade saints which adorn St. Peter's Square.
Famous quotes containing the word valerius:
“My sweetest Lesbia let us live and love,
And though the sager sort our deeds reprove,
Let us not weigh them: Heav’n’s great lamps do dive
Into their west, and straight again revive,
But soon as once set is our little light,
Then must we sleep one ever-during night.”
—Catullus [Gaius Valerius Catullus] (84–54 B.C.)