"Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured."
No matter what the history of Valentine's Day make sure you take the time to tell the Lord just how much you love him. We know that he loved us so much to give us his only son. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved (John 3:16 -17) God bless you beloved friends. I love you and there is nothing you can do about it.
References retrieved February 1, 2009 from http://www.history.com/content/valentine/history-of-valentine-s-day
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