On February 14th, much of the Christian world celebrates Valentine’s Day. For most people, the day is a time to show love and appreciation to those we care about - often focusing on romantic relationships but also celebrating the bonds of family and friendship. However, few people know much about the history of this beloved holiday.
The story of St. Valentine is shrouded in mystery. Tradition holds that he was a Roman priest in the 3rd century who performed secret weddings for Christian soldiers, healed the sick, and performed miraculous deeds. These actions reportedly led to his martyrdom. However, much of this narrative stems from later sources, such as the Martyrology of Bede, written in the 8th century by the English monk Bede.
Even the Original Catholic Encyclopedia, published in 1907, acknowledges the challenges of uncovering the true identity of St. Valentine. It notes that there are actually three different St. Valentines associated with February 14th: a priest in Rome, a bishop in Terni, Italy, and a third unknown figure from Roman North Africa. Beyond these scant details, the historical St. Valentine remains elusive.
The truth is, we don’t know much about St. Valentine’s life, his deeds, or even the specific reasons for his martyrdom. Yet, in some ways, that makes his story even more meaningful. Most of us won’t be remembered for every detail of our lives—our actions, achievements, and struggles may fade with time. But to God, our lives are never forgotten.
What truly matters is how we live in connection with others and reflect God’s love and goodness in the world. While we may not know St. Valentine’s full story, we can trust that God knows and honors his faith and sacrifices. This serves as a reminder that our own acts of love, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, are seen and cherished by our Creator.
As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, let us not only share love with those around us but also reflect on the eternal value of living lives that honor God and connect with others in meaningful ways.