Valens the procurer
Roman procurer who begins his journey of conversion in Zacchaeus's house of charity of in Jericho:
"I exploited all miseries, and I made money at the expense of innocent girls of the beaten enemy, of orphan girls, of women sold like merchandise for a piece of bread. I travelled around the world seizing such opportunities, following armies, where there was famine, where an overflowing river had deprived people of food, where pestilence had left young lives without protection, and I treated them as goods, infamous yet innocent goods. Infamous with regards to me, as I made money out of it, innocent because they were not yet aware of so much horror. Lord, I have in my hands the virginity of young girls seduced, and the honour of young wives taken in conquered towns. My trade centres… and my brothels were famous, Lord… Do not curse me, now that You know!…"[1]
Character and appearance
Rather old.
Apostolic journey
"It is true! Your crime is serious. You have much to rectify. But I, the Mercy, tell you that even if you were the demon himself and you were responsible for all the crimes of the Earth, if you want, you can make amends for everything and be forgiven by God, the true, great, paternal God."[2]
Jesus also predicts that the kiss that the converted Roman gives on his hand will be a consolation at his crucifixion.
His name
From Latin: strong, vigorous, robust.