St Valentine - Patron Saint of Lovers

St Valentine's Day February 14th

History makes mention of at least two different individuals (and perhaps as many as seven) with the name of Saint Valentine. The two mentioned here were martyred for their faith and have been recognized by the Catholic Church. The first is described as a priest who resided in Rome and the second is described as a Bishop who resided in Interamna (known today as Terni) in Italy. These two Saint Valentines appear to have been alive during the second half of the Third Century and are said by some sources to be buried on the Flaminia Consular Way. The ancient Flaminian Gate is now called the Porta del Popolo, but was formerly referred to as the Gate of Saint Valentine.

It is possible that the two Saint Valentines mentioned above are likely one and the same individual, a Roman priest who became Bishop in Interamna and was then sentenced there before being returned to Rome for execution. Also, both lived during the reign of the same Roman emperor, Claudius II, and are believed to have died on the same day, February 14.

There are also at least two legends regarding St Valentine. The first legend originated in the anglo-saxon countries, that he used to make the present of a flower from his own garden to his young visitors. Two of these young people fell in love; and this love resulted in a union so happy that many other couples followed their example, to such a point that the Saint was induced to dedicate one day of the year to a general benediction of the state of matrimony.

The second legend involves the Emperor Claudius II. The emperor was trying to recruit a large army. He expected men to volunteer to join, but many men just did not want to fight in wars. They did not want to leave their wives and families. Claudius thought that if men were not married, they would not mind joining the army. So Claudius decided not to allow any more marriages.

St Valentine did not agree with this law and he continued performing marriage ceremonies, in secret. When it was discovered that Saint Valentine was defying the emperor's decree, he was apprehended and dispatched by Claudius to the Prefect of Rome who, being unable to force the saint to renounce Christianity, ordered that Valentine be clubbed, stoned and then beheaded. According to tradition, while Valentine waited in prison for his execution, he corresponded with those under his care by sending letters and love notes to his parishioners.

Valentine died on February 14th.