St. Valentine was a priest in Rome who, according to Fr. Alban Butler, assisted Christians along with St. Marius and his family under the persecution of Claudius II. He was captured and sent by the emperor to the prefect of Rome. The Golden Legend states that the prefect was intrigued by St. Valentine's preaching on Christ being the true light. "I have a daughter who has stricken with blindness for some time," the prefect said. "If you can bring light to her by this Christ, I will do whatever you ask." The saint prayed over the girl and her sight was restored, converting the prefect and his entire household to the faith. Ordered to be beaten with clubs and beheaded, St. Valentine was martyred near the year 270 A.D. In the nineteenth century, an ancient catacomb and church dedicated to St. Valentine was uncovered in Rome. Pope Gelasius officially marked February 14th "Valentines Day," in 496 A.D.
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AuthorShawn Briggs is a father, musician, and traditional Catholic with a love for the faith and dedication to Christ the King. Archives
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