Everyone has heard of Valentine’s Day. But have you heard of the person named Valentine?
St. Valentine is a man or many men who are surrounded by myths and mystery. Not much is known about him and some even think he is not just one man (Britannica). But what we have figured out was enough to rise this man to the stature of sainthood.
Accounts of St. Valentine claim that he was a Catholic priest or bishop during a time of persecution in the Roman empire by Emperor Claudius II Gothicus about AD 270 (Britannica). What is agreed upon is that St. Valentine was martyred, or killed because of his faith, and buried in Via Flaminia (Britannica). Despite the lack of actual facts around the person of St. Valentine, there are many myths and legends that have been created around him.
The myths around St. Valentine include one where he was under arrest and a judge decided to put Valentine’s faith to the test. The judge summoned his blind daughter and challenged Valentine to heal her. By the power of God, Valentine was able to restore the girl’s sight. The judge then converted, along with his entire family, and freed all the imprisoned Christians.
Another story of St. Valentine’s imprisonment was under Emperor Claudius’ reign. While the reason for Valentine’s imprisonment is not for sure known, it is assumed to be either because St. Valentine would not sacrifice to pagan gods, because he would not renounce his faith, or because he married couples, against Claudius’ will, so they would not have to fight in wars. Whatever the reason, Emperor Claudius demanded St. Valentine renounce his faith or die, to which Valentine chose a death of beating and beheading rather than betraying his true King. Both of these legends were sourced from the website Catholic Online.
While the story behind St. Valentine is not completely known, the fact of his existence is confirmed. This is because archaeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to St. Valentine (Catholic Online). Relics of St. Valentine have also been distributed throughout the world (Britannica). St. Valentine is the patron saint of engaged couples, beekeepers, epilepsy, fainting, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, plague, travelers, and young people. His feast day is Feb. 14 (Catholic Online).
Valentine’s Day is surrounded by love and romance. But the name behind the holiday comes from a man who stood his ground for his faith in the face of persecution and put others first, whether it be through healing or marriages. Whether you are single or dating this Valentine’s Day, take a page from St. Valentine’s book and put others before yourself, no matter what.