The Story of St. Valentine - Janice Roosevelt, Licensed in PA & DE, ABR, ePro, Ecobroker

The beautiful holiday that celebrates the gift of love on February 14, originated in 270 A.D with  an amazing man named Valentine.

The humble Christian Valentinus lived under the oppressive rule of  Roman Emperor Claudius II. Claudis had ordered all Romans to worship state idols, and ordered death to those who even associated with Christians. 

Undeterred, Valentinus stayed steadfast to the ideals of Christ. 

One  day a jailer for the Emperor of Rome brought his blind daughter to Valentinus for healing. She had been blind since birth and the father had learned of Valentinus's medical and spiritual healing abilities.

Knowing the girl's  condition would be difficult to treat, Valentinus gave the man his word he would do his best. The girl was examined, given ointment for her eyes and  re-visits were scheduled.

The jailer asked Julia, might also be brought to Valentinus for lessons, as he discovered what knowledge Valentinus possessed.

Julia learned quickly as Valentinus read  her stories of Rome's history.  He described the world of nature to her. He taught her arithmetic and told her about GOD. She saw the world through his eyes, trusted in his wisdom, and found comfort in his quiet strength.

"Valentinus, does GOD really hear our prayers?" Julia said one day. "Yes, my child, He hears each one, "he replied.

"Do you know what I pray for every morning and every night? I pray that I might see. I want so much to see everything you've told me about!"

"GOD does what is best for us if we believe," Valentinus said.

"Oh, Valentinus, I do believe," Julia said intensely. "I do." She knelt and grasped his hand. They sat quietly together, each praying.

As weeks passed and the girl's sight was not restored. Yet the man and his daughter never wavered in their faith and returned regularly.

One day, Roman soldiers arrested Valentinus, destroyed his medicines and imprisoned him for his religious beliefs. When Julia's  father learned of his arrest  he tried to intervene but there was nothing he could do.

On the eve of his death, Valentinus wrote a last note to Julia . He  asked the jailer for a paper, pen and ink. He quickly jotted a farewell note and handed it to the jailer to give to his blind daughter.

He urged her to stay close to GOD, and he signed it "From Your Valentine."

 His death sentence was carried out the next day, February 14, 270 A.D., near a gate that was later named Porta Valentini in his memory.

When the jailer went home, he was greeted by his little girl. The little girl opened the note and discovered a yellow crocus inside. The message said, "From your Valentine." As the little girl looked down upon the crocus that spilled into her palm she saw brilliant colors for the first time in her life! The girl's eyesight was restored!

He was buried at what is now the Church of Praxedes in Rome. It is said that Julia planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave.

 Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship. In 496 Pope Gelasius I named February 14 as Saint Valentine's Day. On each Valentine's Day, messages of affection, love and devotion are still exchanged around the world.

Regardless of how love is showing up in your life right now, this is a beautiful time to let your Divine Love shine and be in the spirit of love. You are an expression of divine love in action, and the more you give love, the more you will receive.

janice.roosevelt@gmail.com

adapted from spiritual arts, Barbara Martin