Remembering St. Valentine....

Since the time 've realized that there is a "Valentine's Day" in the world I live in, I am made to understand (probably most of us!) by a large number of elements (well we know who they are) that Valentine's day revolves around cards, soft toys, chocolates, finding a date... the list is endless... with due respect to everyone who believe in celebrating love on the 14th of Feb of every year, this kind of hasn't sunk in me yet....

Throughout these years 've always remembered great heart that lies behind Valentine's day... The lovely story of sacrifice and love that is draped around this amazing day...

The origin of St. Valentine, and how many St. Valentines there were, remains a mystery. The first representation of Saint Valentine appeared in the Nuremberg Chronicle (1493); alongside the woodcut portrait of Valentine the text states that he was a Roman priest martyred during the reign of Claudius II, known as Claudius Gothicus. He was arrested and imprisoned upon being caught marrying Christian couples and otherwise aiding Christians who were at the time being persecuted by Claudius in Rome. Helping Christians at this time was considered a crime. Claudius took a liking to this prisoner -- until Valentinus tried to convert the Emperor -- whereupon this priest was condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs and stoned; when that didn't finish him, he was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate. A roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to Saint Valentine unearthed by Archeologist speaks of St. Valentin'e existence. In 496 AD Pope Gelasius marked Feb 14th as a celebration in honour of his martyrdom for love...

I just want to celebrate Valentine's Day by saying....
Dear Saint Valentine, Glorious Martyr, Teach me to love unselfishly and to find great joy in giving... Enable all true lovers to bring out the best in each other in God...
May St. Valentine intercede for every heart that shares true love...