St. Valentine appears to have been a martyr from before 312, and his death is commemorated
on the 14th of February. While it is believed he was martyred on that date, little is officially recorded about him. (A Valentine, priest of Rome, and a Valentine, bishop of Ternia, are both commemorated on 14 February, and now generally assumed to be the same person.)
He seems to have been buried on the Flaminian Way; and about 350 a church was built over this tomb, and later a catacomb was constructed underneath, containing the remains of many Martyrs. This church, with its cemetery, was the first to greet the eyes of pilgrims coming to Rome to visit the tombs of the ancient heroes of the Faith, and therefore St. Valentine's fame grew, and spread through the world.
The Emperor of the time, named Claudius was having problems recruiting men to serve in his armies, because the men selfishly wanted to stay home with their wives and children. Angry that his men were more loyal to their wives than to himself, Claudius decided to greatly restrict marriage!
Couples who were in love searched for someone who would help them get married, even in secret. Valentine was a priest who would perform wedding ceremonies for these desperate young lovers. When a young couple came to him, he secretly united them in marriage in front of God's sacred altar. Father Valentine quickly became the friend of lovers in every district of Rome.
When Claudius heard what Valentine was doing he ordered him thrown into jail. It appears that Valentine was dragged from the altar where a young couple stood, ready to be married, and taken off to jail.
One of the main traditions that surround Valentine is the one concerning his jailer's daughter, Augustine. She was so kind to Valentine during his brutal imprisonment, that Valentine sent a ‘Valentine’s Card’ (a short note) with a grateful "thank you” message for all that she had done.
Many asked the Emperor Claudius to release Valentine but Claudius refused to do so. As a punishment for supporting marriage, Valentine was beaten to death with clubs and then beheaded. Valentine laid down his life for others because he passionately believed in the sanctity of love and marriage. His devoted friends buried him on the Flaminian Way. The date of his tragic murder was February 14th AD 270.
The modern customs associated with Saint Valentine's Day undoubtedly had their origin in a conventional belief generally received in England and France during the Middle Ages, that on 14 February, (that is half way through the second month of the year), the birds began to pair. That is why in Chaucer’s Parliament of Foules we read:
For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne's day
Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.
For this reason the day has been looked upon as specially consecrated to lovers and as the occasion for writing love letters and sending cards.
Almighty and everlasting God, who kindled the flame of Your Love in the heart of Your holy martyr Valentine: Grant to us, Your humble servants, a like faith and power of love, that we who rejoice in his triumph may profit by his example; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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