St. Valentine

Saint Valentine is a third-century Roman saint widely celebrated on February 14 and commonly associated with "courtly love." Although not much of St. Valentine's life is reliably known, most historians agree that St. Valentine was martyred and then buried on the Via Flaminia, north of Rome.

One common story about St. Valentine is that he was imprisoned for marrying Christian couples and aiding Christians being persecuted by the Emperor Claudius in Rome. Both acts were considered serious crimes. When Valentine attempted to convince Claudius of Christianity, Claudius became enraged and sentenced Valentine to death, commanding him to renounce his faith or be beaten with clubs and beheaded. He refused to do so and was executed outside the Flaminian Gate on February 14, 269.

A legend relates that during his imprisonment, Valentine healed the jailer’s blind daughter. On the day of his execution, he left the girl a note signed, "Your Valentine."