Every February, I like to share the story of Sant Valentine which I think is absolutely beautiful. Why do we write, “From your Valentine” and give flowers? I hate the Hallmark version of consumption and I like to look at the history of Saint Valentine well I should say the legend of Valentine as his history is difficult to verify as it dates back to the third century and I believe there as been more than one saint called Valentine. That said, here is story I like to share.
Valentine lived in Rome during the third century which was ruled by an emperor called Claudius.
Emperor Claudius was despised and wanted to have a big army. He expected men to volunteer to join and enlist in his army. Many men did not want to fight in battle. They did not want to leave their wives and families. As you might have guessed, not many men enlisted. This made the emperor furious.
The emperor believed if men were not married, they would not mind joining the army. So Claudius decided not to allow any more marriages.
Young people thought his new law was terrible and Valentine thought it was terrible too and Valentine decided to continue to marry people as he was a priest. Valentine continued to marry couples in secret but feared that they would be caught.
He was eventually caught and thrown in jail and sentenced to death.
Valentine was visited by many young people who threw flowers and notes up to his cell window to let him know that they believed in love.
A prison guard even let his daughter visit Valentine. The girl was blind and enjoyed spending long hours visiting the brave Valentine who she believed was right in defying the emperor’s marriage ban.
Valentine left the guard’s daughter a note and a flower on the day he was to be executed. He wrote a card and included a flower which has been represented by roses since Victorian times.
The blind girl touched the flower and could miraculously see again and saw the note which said, "Love from your Valentine.”
Valentine died on February 14, 269 A.D. and while his story is not well remembered we have never forgotten this third century martyr.
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone.
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