A Catholic Notebook: The Legend of St. Valentine

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

The Legend of St. Valentine

St. Valentine

Soutenus

2000 years ago, the most powerful army in the world belonged to the Romans. The Romans were so strong that they had conquered almost all of Europe, and parts of Asia and Africa. Under the rule of Claudius II, Rome was involved in many unpopular and bloody campaigns. The emperor, also known as Claudius the Cruel, needed to maintain a strong army, but was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. Life in the army was harsh, and many of the soldiers wanted the comforts of home. Claudius believed that Roman men were unwilling to join the army because of their strong attachment to their wives and families. To get rid of the problem, Claudius the Cruel banned all marriages and engagements in Rome.

By that time, many of the Romans were Christians - and one of the church leaders was a Bishop called Valentine. Bishop Valentine knew that this decree was not just. He believed that if a man and woman fell in love with each other, they should be allowed to get married. Bishop Valentine defied Claudius and performed marriages in his church, even though it was against the law. The soldiers’ weddings were meant to be kept secret, but as you know, all secrets are hard to keep, and soon the word got out. Valentine was arrested and brought before the emperor who demanded that he stop helping soldiers to marry, and that he pray to the gods of Rome.

When he refused, the emperor sentenced him to death. Claudius ordered Bishop Valentine to be beaten to death with clubs and then to have his head cut off. But first, Valentine was put into prison.

While Valentine was in prison, the jailer’s daughter used to bring him his food. She was a young woman who unfortunately was blind. She and Valentine used to spend long hours talking to each other. One day, Valentine put his hand through the bars of his cell and touched the lids of her closed eyes. When she opened them again, she could see. It was a miracle.

Valentine’s execution was set for February the 14th. He was a martyr or "witness" of the Christian faith. On his last night on earth, he wrote his final message to the girl. He signed his love letter, “From your Valentine.” This took place in the year 270, and ever since, lovers have sent each other messages on February the 14th with the same signature.