St. Valentine
c. 270
📅 Feast Day: Feb 14
📖 Life Timeline
c. AD 220–250
Born in Rome (estimated)
c. AD 250–260
Ordained a priest in Rome
c. AD 260–270
Serves the Christian community during periods of persecution
c. AD 269–273
Arrested by Roman authorities for practicing Christianity
c. AD 270
Imprisoned and tortured for refusing to renounce the faith
Feb 14, c. AD 270
Executed (beheaded) on the Flaminian Way
c. AD 270
Buried on the Flaminian Way outside Rome
c. fourth century
Church erected near his tomb; gate renamed Gate of St. Valentine
c. seventh century
Feast day established on February 14 in the Roman martyrology
270
Martyred on February 14; beheaded by order of Emperor Claudius II
✝ Biography
At least three different Saint Valentines, all martyrs, are recorded in the early martyrologies under the date of February 14. The most prominent is a priest of Rome who suffered martyrdom in the second half of the third century and was buried on the Flaminian Way outside Rome. In the time of William of Malmesbury, the Flaminian Gate of Rome (now the Porta del Popolo) was known as the Gate of St. Valentine, named after a small church dedicated to the saint in the neighborhood. A second St. Valentine was the Bishop of Interamna (modern Terni), who also suffered martyrdom in the third century and was buried on the Flaminian Way at a different distance from Rome. These two Valentines may have been the same person. A third St. Valentine is recorded as having suffered in Africa with companions, but nothing further is known of him. The Acta (martyrdom accounts) preserved for the Roman Valentine are of relatively late date and possess no real historical value, meaning the details of his life and martyrdom are largely lost. What is certain is that he was a Roman priest who remained faithful to Christ during the persecutions of the third century, gave his life for the faith, and was buried with honor near the Flaminian Way. The popular customs of Valentine's Day originated from a medieval belief, widespread in England and France, that February 14 was the day when birds began to pair—thus the day became consecrated to lovers.
🛡 Patronage
Patron of: Lovers, engaged couples, happy marriages, beekeepers, plague, epilepsy, fidelity, young people in love
💬 Words of the Saint
From your Valentine (traditional prison letter signature)
📜 Key Facts
Born
c. 3rd century, Rome
Died
February 14, 270 AD, Rome (beheaded)
Feast Day
Feb 14
Canonized
Pre-Tridentine
🕊 Legacy
Though the historical details of St. Valentine's life are sparse, his feast day on February 14 became one of the most widely celebrated occasions in Christendom. The medieval association of the day with courtly love—rooted in the belief that birds paired on this date—gave rise to the tradition of exchanging valentines. Chaucer, Gower, and Lydgate all reference the custom in their works. Despite the legendary accretions, St. Valentine remains a genuine third-century Roman martyr who gave his life for Christ during the persecutions.
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