
Feast of Saint Valentine of Rome
(c. 270 A.D.)
St. Valentine of Rome was a priest who lived in Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. Little is known of his life with certainty, except that he ministered to Christians who were persecuted and imprisoned for their faith, and died a martyr.
One account has it that the emperor banned all marriages and engagements in Rome, believing this was the reason Roman men were unwilling to serve in the army. Valentine defied this unjust decree and continued to perform marriages for lovers in secret. He was arrested, and while in prison he restored sight to his jailer’s blind daughter, causing the jailer and his entire extended household, forty-six people in total, to immediately convert to Christianity. Upon hearing this, Claudius ordered Valentine’s execution. St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter, whom he had befriended, and signed it “From Your Valentine.” He was beheaded on February 14th.
St. Valentine is the patron of many causes including beekeepers, betrothed and engaged couples, lovers, love, happy marriages, and young people. He is also, though less widely known, the patron of epilepsy. His feast day is February 14th.
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Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
1 Corinthians 13:7

Love, when it is genuine, is all-embracing, stable, and lasting … an irresistible spur to all forms of heroism.”
Pope Paul VI


Follow the saints because those who follow them will become saints.”
Saint Clement I, pope
Saint Valentine, patron of love, protector of marriage, pray for us.
Be not afraid! And may the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones today and always. Holy Family, pray for us. Amen.
