While St. Cecilia is a widely celebrated saint in the Catholic Church, her husband is often overlooked.
St. Cecilia was reportedly given in marriage by her parents to a pagan named Valerian. It was a marriage that St. Cecilia did not want, as she had dedicated her virginity to God.
However, she did not run away from the marriage and consented to it, but informed Valerian of her vow.
Valerian respected her dedication to God and was soon after baptized by Pope Urbanus.
According to the Acts of her martyrdom, an angel appeared to the married couple and crowned them with roses and lilies.
Valerian then dedicated himself to Christ and distributed alms to the poor and buried Christians. His activities drew the attention of the Roman government and was quickly martyred.
Valerian's body would later be buried next to St. Cecilia.
Their marriage may have been brief, but they remain a powerful example of a couple who was fully dedicated to God.
