February has long been a month of romance, as Valentine’s Day is celebrated each year on the 14th of the month. All of us have heard of Valentine’s Day, and many have even heard the name St. Valentine, often associated with the holiday; Very few know the origin of the day of love, or the Saint associated with it.

This is most likely because these origins have continued to remain a mystery.

Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. However, other religions also claim similar saints and opposing legends.

The legend I choose to share with you today tells the story of Valentine, a priest who served during the third century in Rome. During this time Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families and he outlawed marriage for young men, all his potential soldiers.

Valentine saw the injustice of this law and defied Claudius, continuing to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

According to a similar legend, Valentine may even have sent the first “valentine” greeting himself. While in prison, awaiting execution, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl, possibly his jailor’s daughter, who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed “From your Valentine”.

I myself will always be a hopeless romantic!