Hierarch Valentine of Rhaetia (Passau)

Holy Hierarch Valentine, Bishop of Rhaetia (Passau), was a fifth-century missionary bishop and enlightener of Tyrol who reposed before 475. According to tradition he came from northern Gaul. He was consecrated bishop for the province of Rhaetia (modern Tyrol and parts of Bavaria, Switzerland, and northern Italy) during the decline of the Western Roman Empire, when the Romanized population suffered raids from Germanic tribes. He preached among the local inhabitants, contended against remnants of paganism and Arianism, and restored ruined churches. Facing hostility from part of his flock and general instability, he withdrew from his see to Castrum Maiense (modern Mais near Merano), where he gathered disciples and founded a small monastic community, in which he peacefully reposed. The first detailed Life was written in the twelfth century by a canon of Passau. His relics later rested in Trent before being translated to Passau, where he is venerated as heavenly patron of the diocese. His feast is kept January 7/20, with the translation of his relics August 4/17.