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Saint Valentine (died c. 269 AD) is the famous early Christian martyr after whom Valentine’s Day is named.
There were actually several early Christian martyrs named Valentine, but the one most associated with the modern feast is Valentine of Rome, a priest (and possibly bishop) who lived during the reign of Emperor Claudius II.
According to tradition, Valentine defied the emperor’s order banning marriages (because Claudius believed single men made better soldiers). Valentine secretly performed Christian marriages for young couples. He was arrested, imprisoned, and eventually beaten and beheaded on February 14, 269 AD for his faith.
Another popular legend says that while in prison, Valentine healed the blind daughter of his jailer and wrote her a note signed “Your Valentine” before his execution.
His feast day is February 14.
Saint Valentine is venerated as the patron saint of:
Lovers and romantic love (his most famous patronage)
Engaged couples and married couples
Young people
Beekeepers (in some traditions)
Epilepsy and epileptics
Travelers
Greeting card writers and postmen
He is usually depicted as a priest or bishop holding a sword (symbol of his martyrdom) and sometimes with roses or birds (symbols of love).
Note: While the romantic customs of Valentine’s Day developed much later (in the Middle Ages), the Church honors St. Valentine primarily as a martyr for the faith.
Saint Valentine (died c. 269 AD) is the famous early Christian martyr after whom Valentine’s Day is named.
There were actually several early Christian martyrs named Valentine, but the one most associated with the modern feast is Valentine of Rome, a priest (and possibly bishop) who lived during the reign of Emperor Claudius II.
According to tradition, Valentine defied the emperor’s order banning marriages (because Claudius believed single men made better soldiers). Valentine secretly performed Christian marriages for young couples. He was arrested, imprisoned, and eventually beaten and beheaded on February 14, 269 AD for his faith.
Another popular legend says that while in prison, Valentine healed the blind daughter of his jailer and wrote her a note signed “Your Valentine” before his execution.
His feast day is February 14.
Saint Valentine is venerated as the patron saint of:
Lovers and romantic love (his most famous patronage)
Engaged couples and married couples
Young people
Beekeepers (in some traditions)
Epilepsy and epileptics
Travelers
Greeting card writers and postmen
He is usually depicted as a priest or bishop holding a sword (symbol of his martyrdom) and sometimes with roses or birds (symbols of love).
Note: While the romantic customs of Valentine’s Day developed much later (in the Middle Ages), the Church honors St. Valentine primarily as a martyr for the faith.
