St. Valentine

Saint Valentine, officially known as Saint Valentine of Rome, is a third-century Roman saint widely celebrated on February 14 and commonly associated with "courtly love." Although not much of St. Valentine's life is reliably known, and whether the stories involve two different saints by the same name is also not officially decided, it is highly agreed that St. Valentine was martyred and then buried on the Via Flaminia to the north of Rome.

In 1969, the Roman Catholic Church removed St. Valentine from the General Roman Calendar because so little is known about him. However, the church still recognizes him as a saint, listing him in the February 14 spot of Roman Martyrology. The legends attributed to the mysterious saint are as inconsistent as the actual identification of the man.

One common story about St. Valentine is that at one point in his life, as the former Bishop of Terni, Narnia and Amelia, he was on house arrest with Judge Asterius. While discussing religion and faith with the Judge, Valentine pledged the validity of Jesus. The judge immediately put Valentine and his faith to the test. St. Valentine was presented with the judge's blind daughter and told to restore her sight. If he succeeded, the judge vowed to do anything for Valentine. Placing his hands onto her eyes, Valentine restored the child's vision.

Judge Asterius was humbled and obeyed Valentine's requests. Asterius broke all the idols around his house, fasted for three days and became baptized, along with his family and entire 44-member household. The now faithful judge then freed all of his Christian inmates. St. Valentine was later arrested again for continuing to try to convert people to Christianity. He was sent to Rome under the emperor Claudius Gothicus (Claudius II).

According to the popular hagiographical identity, and what is believed to be the first representation of St. Valentine, the Nuremberg Chronicle, St. Valentine was a Roman priest martyred during Claudius' reign. The story tells that St. Valentine was imprisoned for marrying Christian couples and aiding Christians being persecuted by Claudius in Rome. Both acts were considered serious crimes. A relationship between the saint and emperor began to grow, until Valentine attempted to convince Claudius of Christianity. Claudius became enraged and sentenced Valentine to death, commanding him to renounce his faith or be beaten with clubs and beheaded. St. Valentine refused to renounce his faith and Christianity and was executed outside the Flaminian Gate on February 14, 269.

Liturgical Celebration

The feast of St. Valentine is celebrated on February 14th, a date that has become synonymous with love and romance worldwide. While the Roman Catholic Church removed St. Valentine from the General Roman Calendar in 1969 due to the lack of historical information, the church still recognizes him as a saint, listing him in the February 14 spot of Roman Martyrology. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius marked February 14th as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom.

Traditions and Customs

Valentine's Day has evolved into one of the most popular secular celebrations, with traditions including exchanging cards, flowers, and chocolates. Many churches hold special Masses for couples and those seeking love. The day is marked by celebrations of romantic love, friendship, and the bonds of marriage. St. Valentine is represented in pictures with birds and roses, symbols of love and springtime renewal.

Prayer and Devotion

The feast day is an excellent time to pray for happy marriages, engaged couples, and those seeking love. Many people visit churches dedicated to St. Valentine or pray for his intercession in matters of the heart. The day is also a time to reflect on the Christian understanding of love as a gift from God and the importance of marriage as a sacred institution.