Valentine of Rome (d. 269)

A Christian priest in Rome, Valentine was known for assisting Christians persecuted under Claudius II.  After being caught marrying Christian couples and helping Christians escape the persecution, Valentine was arrested and imprisoned.  Although Emperor Claudius originally liked Valentine, he was condemned to death when he tried to convert the emperor.  Valentine was beaten with stones, clubbed, and finally, beheaded on February 14, 269.  In the year 496, February 14 was named as a day of celebration in Valentine’s honor.

Today, we buy flowers.

G.K. Chesterton said, “Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.”  

*This entire post was adapted from Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals