Saint Valentine, is a third-century Roman saint widely celebrated on February 14 and commonly associated with love. However, he was a martyr who refused to give up his faith.

St. Valentine was imprisoned for marrying Christian couples and aiding Christians being persecuted by Claudius II in Rome. Both acts were considered serious crimes. A relationship between the saint and emperor began to grow, until Valentine attempted to convert Claudius to Christianity. Claudius became enraged and sentenced Valentine to death, commanding him to renounce his faith or be beaten and beheaded.

St. Valentine refused to renounce his faith and was executed outside the Flaminian Gate on February 14, 269.  Another variation of the legend of St. Valentine says he refused to sacrifice to pagan gods, was imprisoned and while imprisoned he healed the jailer’s blind daughter. On the day of his execution, he left the girl a note signed, “Your Valentine.”

Saint Valentine did really exist, because archaeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to St. Valentine. In 496 AD Pope Gelasius marked February 14th as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom.

A Valentine Prayer

Pray, then, O holy Martyr, for the Faithful, who are so persevering in celebrating thy memory. The day of Judgment will reveal to us all thy glorious merits. Oh! intercede for us, that we may then be made thy companions at the right hand of the Great Judge, and be united with thee eternally in heaven.

Antiphon: This Saint fought, even unto death, for the law of his God, and feared not the words of the wicked; for he was set upon a firm rock.

Let us pray:

Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God, that we who solemnize the festival of blessed Valentine, Thy Martyr, may, by his intercession, be delivered from all the evils that threaten us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Happy Feast of Saint Valentine

Source: Catholic Online