Saint Valentine
St. Valentine, or Valentinus, is one of the most famous saints in Christian tradition, known for his association with love and romance[1].
He was a martyr, possibly two distinct individuals, who died on February 14, around 269 or 270 AD, during the persecution under Emperor Claudius II Gothicus[2].
Legends attribute to him the clandestine performance of marriages for Christian soldiers, acts of healing, and the writing of the first "valentine" message[3].
Stored in Cargo: Saint Valentine
| Saint Valentine | |
| Feast Day | February 14 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Love, engaged couples, happy marriages, beekeepers, epilepsy |
| Birthplace | Unknown, possibly Rome or Terni, Italy |
| Death Place | Rome, Italy |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome, Italy |
Biography
Birth
The exact birthplace and date of St. Valentine are unknown, but he is associated with either Rome or Terni, Italy[2].
Early Life
Little is definitively known about his early life, though he is believed to have been a priest or bishop[1].
Occupation
He is traditionally considered a priest or possibly a bishop, with some accounts also mentioning him as a physician[3].
Vocation
Valentine was known for his service to Christians, including secretly marrying soldiers, which was forbidden under Roman law[2].
Death
He was martyred on February 14, either 269 or 270 AD, in Rome, for his Christian faith[4].
Significant events
- Imprisoned for performing Christian marriages, he is said to have healed the jailer's blind daughter[2].
- Before his death, he allegedly wrote a letter to the jailer's daughter, signing it "Your Valentine," which is considered the origin of Valentine's Day cards[3].
- His martyrdom became associated with love due to legends and the timing of his feast day with the beginning of spring and mating season for birds[1].
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: None
Death location: Rome, Italy
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Death
St. Valentine was executed by beheading, a common method of martyrdom for Christians during that period.
Canonization
Servant of God
St. Valentine was not formally recognized as a Servant of God through modern processes, having been martyred before such systems existed[2].
Venerable
Not applicable; recognized as a saint by tradition[2].
Beatification
Not formally beatified; recognized as a saint by the early Church[2].
Canonization
Canonized by tradition; no formal canonization date as he was recognized as a saint from early Christian times[2].
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
Not applicable for formal beatification, but his miracles, like healing the jailer's daughter, are well-documented in hagiography[2].
Miracle for canonization
Not applicable; his sainthood is based on tradition and early Church recognition[2].
Other notable miracles
- Various healing miracles are attributed to St. Valentine, particularly those related to eyesight[4].
Patronage
St. Valentine is the patron saint of love, engaged couples, happy marriages, beekeepers, and those with epilepsy[2].
Feast day
His feast day is celebrated on February 14[2].
Veneration
St. Valentine is widely venerated, with relics in several places, including Rome and Dublin. His significance has grown beyond Christian circles to become a symbol of love worldwide. His skull is kept in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome[1].
Books
Written about the saint
- His story has been featured in numerous books, but no specific modern titles were listed[4].
Written by the saint
- St. Valentine did not leave any known written works[4].
External links
- Catholic Online article on St. Valentine[2]
- Britannica's biography on St. Valentine[1]
- History.com on the history of Valentine's Day[3]
- Wikipedia entry on Saint Valentine[4]