Saint Valentine - Priest, Martyr
Patron of Couples, Bee Keepers,
Happy marriage
Died: 269-270
Valentine was a holy priest in Rome during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius II.
There are also accounts of a Bishop Valentine about sixty miles from Rome who was brought to Rome to be martyred. Most scholars now believe these two are the same. There is little historical record regarding St. Valentine but we do know he existed and was martyred in Rome. His legend was so strong that a major church was erected in Rome near the place of his death less than 100 years after he died.
The fact that he was a holy priest who died for witnessing to his faith in Jesus stands enough on its own and certainly makes him worthy for devotion, imitation and intercession.
It is believed that Valentine was imprisoned for giving aid to prisoners who were eventually martyred. Some accounts also state that Valentine may have been a physician.
It is also believed that he was marrying young couples against the wishes of the emperor (here’s a bit of romantic drama contained within the story!) Many of the young men were soldiers and the emperor thought they would make better soldiers if they remained single.
In either case, Valentine would have been confronted about his Christian faith, a faith he obviously did not deny nor betray and this led to his martyrdom.
Valentine was beaten with clubs and then beheaded. He died in the year 269 or 270.
Valentine’s Day Observances
St. Valentine’s Day practices have their origins in ancient pagan Rome and come from a pagan Roman fertility festival. It was the practice that on February 15 the names of girls were placed in a large urn. The boys would then draw names of girls and then use them as sexual companions for the year. For obvious reasons the Pope wanted to suppress and eventually end this practice. So instead, under the Pope’s directive, priests would replace the names of girls in the urn with the names of Saints. Boys and girls would then draw the names and they were to then imitate the virtues of that particular Saint for the year. Imitating a Saint’s virtue is far nobler than using someone. The Church moved this new practice to February 14, and placed it under the patronage of Saint Valentine.
In Medieval times there was a belief, especially in England and France that February 14 was the time when birds would find their mates. This evolved into a day when lovers would then exchange little notes and various tokens of affection.
There was also a tradition of pinning bay leaves to your pillow in hopes of seeing your future spouse in your dream that night (a danger in that is if you sleep with your mouth open and a bay leaf gets in there you could get sick!)
Legend has it that Charles, the Duke or Orleans sent the first real Valentine card to his wife while imprisoned in the Tower of London. Unlike St. Valentine who was beheaded, Charles lived another 50 years and died an old man.
Miracles
There is a legend that St. Valentine restored sight to one of his jailers who was blind.
Some Things to Think About and Consider
Often today Valentine’s Day can place more of an emphasis on romantic love and neglect the other types of love in our lives. This can be a day to show appreciation to the many people who have loved us and helped us in so many ways. Do you have coaches, teachers, friends, siblings, brothers and sisters, and relatives who have helped you in this life? Might it be a great day to send them a little note, email or some form of appreciation? Might it also be a great day to show appreciation for parents? Most parents love much and sacrifice much in the raising of their children. Unfortunately during teen years, this love can be met with much indifference. The indifference is not always intentional, but it can be quite hurtful to parents who love their kids. St. Valentine’s Day can be a great day to express some love and appreciation for mom and dad.
Above all, Saint Valentine’s Day can be a day to recommit ourselves to loving God more.
Go to Church and visit Our Lord who waits for us as a prisoner of love in the tabernacle. Go to confession to help us love Jesus more than we love our sins. Attend Mass and receive Our Lord, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the Holy Eucharist!
Sources used: Lives of the Saints, Benziger Bros., Patron Saint Index, Catholic Encyclopedia, Saint Anthony’s Messenger.