The Real Story of Valentine's Day

Do you know the reason for St. Valentine's Day?

It all started in Rome in the 3rd century. The oppressive Roman Emperor Claudius ordered all Romans to worship twelve gods, but Valentinus was dedicated to the ideals of Christ. Not even the threat of death could keep him from practicing his beliefs. He was arrested and imprisoned.

During the last weeks of Valentinus' life, a remarkable thing happened. Seeing that he was a man of learning, the jailer brought his daughter, Julia to Valentinus for lessons. She had been blind since birth.

Valentinus read stories of Rome's history to Julia. He taught her arithmetic and told her of God. She saw the world through his eyes, trusted his wisdom, and found comfort in his quiet strength.

"Valentinus, does God really hear prayers?" Julia asked one day.

"Yes, my child he hears every one," he replied.

"Do you know what I pray every morning and night? I pray that I may see. I want so much to see everything you told me about."

 "God does what's best for us if we only trust and believe in Him," Valentinus said.

 "Oh Valentinus, I do believe!" Julia said fervently. "I do!" She knelt and grasped his hand.

They knelt quietly together, each praying. Suddenly there was a brilliant light in the prison cell. Radiantly, Julia cried, "Valentinus, I can see! I can see! Praise to God!"

Valentinus wrote a letter to Julia on February 14 270 A.D., urging her to stay close to God. It was signed "from Valentinus".

Valentinus gave his life that day for the love of Christ and was buried at the Church of Praxedor in Rome. Julia planted a pink blossom almond tree which remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship to this day. Around the world messages of love and affection are still exchanged on February 14th, St. Valentine's Day.