His reputation as the Patron Saint of Love are not matters of verifiable history, but of Faith.
Valentine of Rome is a 3rd century saint of which, very little is known or based in history, except his final arrest and trial.
He was imprisoned for marrying Christian couples and aiding Christians being persecuted by Emperor Claudius Gothicus. Both acts were considered serious crimes during a time when Christians were heavily persecuted. He also refused to sacrifice to pagan gods when tested. He was sent to the emperor and a relationship between them began to grow. It wasn’t until Valentine attempted to convince Claudius of Christianity that the emperor became raged. He sentenced him to death and commanded him to renounce his faith or be beaten with clubs and beheaded.
Valentine refused and was executed outside the Flaminian Gate on February 14, 269. He was buried along the Roman Via Flaminia, a road leading to Rome over the Apennine Mountains.
Archeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to Saint Valentine and in 469, Pope Gelasius marked February 14th as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom.
The love connection stems more from “The Canterbury Tales” which notes lovebirds sending notes on Valentine’s Day. Several years later, the French Duke of Orleans wrote to his wife in February, referring to her as his “very gentle Valentine” and even Shakespeare’s Ophelia spoke of herself as Hamlet’s Valentine.
He is the Patron Saint of many things including engaged couples, bee keepers, epilepsy, happy marriages, lover, travelers and the young. He is represented by roses and birds.
His feast day is February 14.
For God’s Glory.
The Flaminian Gate:
