This Valentine’s Day, I celebrate the love of someone special and in doing so, pay homage to St. Valentine. Legend has it that Valentine, a Roman Catholic priest in the third century, railed against emperor Claudius II, who had outlawed that any young men marry. Single men make better soldiers and Claudius was deeply committed to maintaining a hearty army of young men.
Valentine, in his effort to support romantic love, secretly married the young lovers. Once discovered by Claudius, Valentine was imprisoned and sentenced to death. And in an odd twist of fate, it was here that he personally found romantic love. The jailer’s daughter, a frequent visitor to the confined priest, inspired his own letters of love. In his last post to the young girl, he signed “From Your Valentine.” I use the same inscription today as I sign my words of love.
Canonizing Valentine after his death ensured that “Saint Valentine” lived on in the memories of those smitten by love. By the Middle Ages, he was easily one of the most popular Saints in England and France.
I know that this is only one of the legends surrounding the celebration, but it’s the one I liked best. This day continues to be an acknowledgment that we have someone special in our lives. When I write “From Your Valentine” I’ll think of that dedicated priest who gave his life for love. We should all be so lucky.
Monday, February 12, 2007
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