Valentine was a priest who lived near
Rome in 270AD. At that time the Roman
Emperor, Claudius, issued a decree forbidding
marriage. Why, one could ask, would he
do such a seemingly ridiculous thing?
Armies and insurgents from within and
without were attacking the Empire, and
a large percentage of the male population
was being recruited to defend it. Claudius
believed that married men were too emotionally
connected to their families and that single
men made better soldiers; hence the edict
forbidding marriage.
Valentine met secretly with couples wishing
to receive the marriage sacrament from
the Church; and conducted many such ceremonies
before being arrested by Claudius. Claudius
offered to spare his life if he renounced
the Church and accepted the Roman Gods.
Valentine refused and was sentenced to
death.
While awaiting execution, Valentine had
a jailer by the name of Asterus, and the
latter asked Valentine to cure his daughter’s
blindness through prayer. Valentine’s
prayers were answered and the girl’s
sight was restored. Before he died, Valentine
sent a farewell message to Asterus’
daughter and signed it “From Your
Valentine;” and so we use that phrase
to this very day.
Valentine eventually became the patron
saint for a festival held every February
14th. Young men gave written messages
to women they admired and wished to court.
These notes became known as St. Valentine’s
Day Cards.
(Thanks to The HolidaySpot.com for these
facts)
If you have any questions, please e-mail
Judy
