Val's Day Series: Why is Valentine's Day Celebrated on 14th February?- Counsellor Kojo Daniel

On 14th February 496 A.D was officially declared as St. Valentine's Day by Pope Gelasius I.

But who was St. Valentine? There are 3 mystery accounts to the identity and history of St. Valentine because there were at least three men by the name Valentine in the A.D. 200s, and all died horrible deaths. They are; St. Valentine of Terni, St. Valentine of Rome and St. Valentine of North Africa.

St. Valentine of Terni: He was a temple priest in the Roman Empire who preached to imprisoned Christians during the reign of Claudius II (an anti-christian). He was persecuted as a Christian and interrogated by Roman Emperor Claudius II in person. Claudius had a discussion with him, attempting to get him to convert to Roman paganism. Valentine refused and tried to convert Claudius to Christianity instead. Because of this, he was executed. Before his execution, he is reported to have performed a miracle by healing Julia, the blind daughter of the prison attendant, Asterius. He was beheaded on Feb. 14.

St. Valentine of Rome: He was a Physician and Priest. He secretly blessed the marriages of roman soldiers, ignoring Emperor Claudius II's ban on marriage. Claudius found out what Valentine did and eventually arrested him. Valentine fell deeply in love with his jailer's daughter. Before his death by beating and decapitation, he wrote a letter to his lover, the jailer's daughter, and signed with the note: "From your Valentine."

St. Valentine of Terni and Rome are believed to be the same person since their stories are very similar, almost the same.

St. Valentine of North Africa: Not much is known about him except for his matyrdom and heroic display of Love for God and the Church.

Happy Val's Day in Advance!

Counsellor Kojo Daniel.