Long ago, there was a man called Valentine, who through his devotion to the idea of love and the Sacrament of Marriage, taught us a great deal about the relationship between Christ and His Church.
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.
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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