The Story of St. Valentine

on Feb 13 in Everyday Life, Faith

In the mid 200′s (A.D.), Claudius the Cruel was the Emperor of Rome (I’ve got a hunch he didn’t choose that name for himself).  He was a powerful ruler, but had difficulty filling his military, due to the bloody outcomes of his war campaigns.  Claudius blamed this on fondness of family – that he couldn’t recruit soldiers due to their desire to be with their wives and children.

So he outlawed the ability for men to get married.  No engagement.  No weddings.

Valentine was a priest in Rome, who believed in marriage so strongly, that he secretly married Christians.  For this, he was apprehended, and thrown in prison. The Prefect of Rome offered him freedom, if he would only renounce Christianity, and worship the Emperor as lord.

Valentine would not renounce his faith.

As a result, he was sentenced to death.  While awaiting his death, he fell in love with the Jailer’s daughter.  Many notes were exchanged between the two.

On February 14, 269 A.D., Valentine was taken away, and put to death in three stages.  First he was beaten with clubs.  Then he was stoned.  Finally, he was decapitated.

But hours before his execution, he had written his final note to his love, telling her of his deep affection for her.   He signed the note…

“…from your Valentine”.