Valentine’s Day is celebrated annually on the 14th of February and originated as a Christian feast day to honour the memory of Saint Valentine, a Roman clergyman from the 3rd century who ministered to persecuted Christians.
Whilst there is a lack of reliable information about the life of St. Valentine, it is commonly agreed that he secretly married couples in hidden locations, to protect them from sinful lifestyles. This was done discretely, in attempt to keep it from the Roman soldiers and Emperor. His efforts were soon discovered and was given a chance to become a loyal Roman citizen, but he remained strong in his beliefs, and ultimately was martyred for them. Given his personal calling, St. Valentine is the patron saint of love, couples and marriages.
He was martyred on February 14th, 273, and it is believed that the annual tradition of Valentine’s Day began in the 14th century. Today, billions of dollars are spent on cards and gifts every year, coming a close second behind Christmas for the most cards exchanged.
“Valentine stood for something much bigger than him. He put his life on the line to marry people, tell them about Christ, and help them win against war.”
