St. Valentine

St Valentine Baptizing

"At Rome, on the Flaminian road, in the time of the emperor Claudius, the birthday of blessed Valentine, priest and martyr, who after having cured and instructed many persons, was beaten with clubs and beheaded."  - Roman Martyrology

So what is the deal with St. Valentine? This day is no longer listed as a proper feast in the Roman or Episcopal Calendar. Although not a proper feast anymore, St. Valentine is still a saint and listed in the Roman Martyrology as shown above.  He is even revered in Orthodox Church as well but in July.  Well, why no feast?  There is a historical reference for Valentine along with a couple of other Valentines as well. All we know about Valentine is what is recorded above. Historically, his execution took place on Feb. 14, 270 A.D. However, there are many stories about him that cannot be proven as fact.

Legends that helped to shape the modern holiday of Valentine's Day revolve around the actual saint(s) himself(themselves). One says that while he was imprisoned awaiting his trial and execution, Valentine sent letters to his flock stating his love for them. He signed these letters "Your Valentine". Another legend revolves around events leading to his arrest in the first place. It recalls that during this time, the emperor became frustrated that young men resisted joining the army because they did not want to leave their wives and families in order to serve. Therefore, the emperor decreed that young men of a certain age would not be able to marry, thus freeing them to join the army. Valentine violated this imperial decree by performing the forbidden ritual, thus bringing him to the notice of officials who had him arrested. Yet another legend states that while in jail, he fell in love with the jailer's daughter, who he had cured of an unknown disease by prayer. Before his execution, he sent a letter stating his love, signing it "Your Valentine."

In any case, the man or men did exist and gave his (their) life(s) to Christ to the point of shedding their blood.   In the Modern Calendar fiasco renewal (btw, that is a post in and of itself and if you are really in the mood to hear me rant, ask about Archbishop Bugini and hand me a glass of whiskey...) St. Valentine's Day was removed.  But, the world has never given it up. I really think the Church dropped the ball on this one, big time. If the secular world keeps celebrating a religious feast, there is something in that day that people are longing.  In this case, love.  Wanna stop the nonsense about fat baby cherubs and chocolate everything? Talk about agape.  Talk about the deep satisfying love of Christ that caused Valentine to want to give up his life to hold on to it. Talk about the values of giving love to others and entering into a sacred covenant.  Somehow, I don't think there is a Hallmark card for that! But, it clearly is something the world is longing to hear! So, bring back Valentine!

Almighty and everlasting God, who kindled the flame of your love in the heart of your holy martyr Valentine: Grant to us, your humble servants, a like faith and power of love, that we who rejoice in his triumph may profit by his example; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.