Who is St Valentine
Ever wondered who St Valentine was and how the story of St Valentine came about. Well there are many stories about how Valentines day came about. However every story has a message of kindness attached to it. And perhaps that is what the real message of Valentines Day should really be about in our busy world.
Was St Valentine real?
Three hundred years after the death of Jesus Christ, the Roman emperors still demanded that everyone believe in the Roman gods.
Valentine, a Christian priest, had been thrown in prison for his teachings. On February 14, Valentine was beheaded, not only because he was a Christian, but also because he had performed a miracle.
He supposedly cured the jailer’s daughter of her blindness. The night before he was executed, he wrote the jailer’s daughter a farewell letter, signing it “from your Valentine.”
Another legend tells us that this same Valentine, well-loved by all, received notes to his jail cell from children and friends who missed him.
Bishop Valentine?
Another Valentine was an Italian bishop who lived at about the same time, AD 200. He was imprisoned because he secretly married couples, contrary to the laws of the Roman emperor. Some legends say he was burned at the stake.
The most popular legend around St Valentine
According to romantic legend the most popular theory is that it was a kind-hearted Roman Priest who solemnized the marriages of young couples in ancient Rome, against the wishes of Emperor Claudius II.
Valentine was beheaded for his deeds on the 14th February. The Romans loved Valentine dearly and would assemble at the temple to hear his words. They would kneel before him and receive his blessing.
Rich and poor, wise and ignorant, old and young, noble and common people they all flocked to Valentine.
When the Roman war broke out, Claudius summoned the citizens forth to battle and year after year the fighting continued. Many of the Romans were unwilling to go. The married men did not want to leave their families.
The younger men did not wish to leave their sweethearts. The emperor was angry when there were too few soldiers. He ordered that no marriages should be celebrated and that all engagements must be broken off immediately.
In 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine. Through the centuries, the Christian holiday became a time to exchange love messages.
And so roughly speaking that is how Valentines Day came about.
Valentines Day now!
Valentines day is now massive business. Some people – particularly those who are single hate it. quite understandably. Others enjoy receiving the flowers and chocolates that may come their way.
But think on this – the message behind St Valentine. He was a kind man whichever legend you associate him with.
Kindness is something we can all try to keep in hearts everyday. Also remembering to appreciate those around us – and that may not just mean your romantic partner, but a parent, friend, or someone who just needs to be remembered. Who do you know who would really appreciate your act of kindness?
