Saint Valentine

Saint Valentine officially known as Saint Valentine of Rome, a widely known Roman saint from the 3rd century; his feast day is widely celebrated during February 14 and is considered to be a saint for “courtly love.”

Not much is known as to the life of St. Valentine and not much is certain as to what really is his story. But it is highly believed that St. Valentine was martyred and his remains were buried at the Via Flaminia to the north of Rome.

Due to the lack of information with regards to his life, he was removed from the General Roman Calendar in 1969, leaving his celebration to local calendars. However, the Roman Catholic Church still recognizes him as a saint, listing him in the February 14 spot of Roman Martyrolgy.

St. Valentine during his life is believed to be the Former Bishop of Terni, Narnia and Amelia; he was put on house arrest by Judge Asterius. While discussing his faith to the Judge, Valentine pledged the Validity of our Lord Jesus Christ. The judge then put Valentine and his faith to a test – the judge presented his blind daughter to Valentine and told him to restore his daughter’s sight, the judge promised that if Valentine succeeded he will do everything as to what the Saint says. Then, Valentine placed his hands onto the daughter’s eyes and miraculously, Valentine was able to restore the child’s vision. Judge Asterius was astonished and obeyed Valentine’s requests. Asterius broke all idols in his household, fasted for 3 days and was baptized, along with his family and 44 household. Then the renewed judge freed all of his Christian prisoners.

St. Valentine was later arrested again for continuing to spread Christianity. He then was sent to the prefect of Rome, the emperor Claudius Gothicus (Claudius II). According to what is believed as the first representation of St. Valentine, he was a Roman priest martyred during Claudius’ reign. Legend tells that the emperor liked St. Valentine until such time that Valentine tried to convince him into Christianity, Claudius became mad and sentenced Valentine to death, commanding him to renounce his faith or be beaten with clubs and beheaded.

Valentine being firm to his faith refused to renounce Christianity and was executed outside the Flaminian Gate on February 14, 269. However other stories tell that he was executed somewhere In the year 270,273 or 280. Other story of St. Valentine was that he was imprisoned for secretly marrying couples so that husbands couldn’t go to war. Another story is that he refused to sacrifice to pagan gods, was arrested and while being a captive for the Lord was able to heal the jailer’s blind daughter and on the day of his death, he left a note to the girl saying, “Your Valentine.”

He is a patron Saint of affianced couples, bee keepers, engaged couples, epilepsy, fainting, greetings, happy marriage, love, lovers, plague, travelers and young people. With all his achievements one thing is for sure, Valentine did really exist and his legacy of sacrifice for love will always remain into minds and hearts. Happy Valentines! (Aj Cyril Chaves | HCDC Intern)