Today holds a dual significance, as it marks both Ash Wednesday, signaling the commencement of the Season of Lent, and as it marks Saint Valentine's Day, a commemoration of the Christian Saint's life.
For those unaware — Yes, Valentines Day is more than just a day about splurging and buying your sweetheart something special. Originally, Valentines Day was a day to honor the memory of Saint Valentine. This raises the question: Who, then, was Saint Valentine?
Saint Valentine, a revered figure in Christian tradition, is shrouded in the mists of time. Though the precise details may be elusive, a mosaic of historical sources, religious texts, and venerable legends provides a glimpse into the life of this iconic saint.
Valentine is believed to have been born in Terni, Italy, in the early years of the third century. Hagiographical accounts suggest that he lived during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. His upbringing in Terni, a town surrounded by the enchanting landscapes of the Italian countryside, likely influenced the spiritual and contemplative aspects of his character. Saint Valentine is remembered as the Patron Saint of Beekeepers because of his connection to the natural world.
One of the most widely cited sources regarding Saint Valentine's life is the "Golden Legend" by Jacobus de Voragine, a medieval compilation of hagiographies. This work, while embellished with elements of folklore and Christian symbolism, serves as a foundational text in understanding the saint's life.
According to the "Golden Legend," Valentine was a Christian priest during a time when Emperor Claudius II imposed a ban on marriages for young men, believing that single men made better soldiers. In defiance of the imperial decree, Valentine continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. His clandestine acts of love and commitment earned him the title of a Patron Saint of Lovers and is the reason why sweethearts and Valentines Day are connected.
Valentine's commitment to Christian principles and acts of love eventually led to his apprehension by Roman authorities. Imprisoned for his defiance of imperial decrees, he continued to minister to his fellow inmates and allegedly even converted his jailer, Asterius, to Christianity. The tales of his compassionate deeds within the confines of the prison walls underscore the enduring theme of love as a transformative force.
The circumstances of Saint Valentine's martyrdom vary across different accounts. Some legends suggest that he was beheaded on February 14, around the year 269 AD, solidifying the association of Valentine's Day with love and devotion. The acts of defiance against oppressive measures, his unwavering commitment to Christian values, and the transformative power of love painted a vivid portrait of a man whose legacy transcended the temporal constraints of his era.
In the broader context of Christian martyrdom, Saint Valentine's story aligns with the archetypal story of individuals who chose fidelity to their faith over compliance with unjust laws for the sake of love. In some ways, Saint Valentine is the embodiment of G.K. Chesterton’s “Christian Solider.” In the Illustrated London News on January 14th, 1911, Chesterton wrote:
The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.
Interestingly, Voraigne also notes the connection between the valiant solider and the name of Saint Valentine. He wrote:
“Valentine is as much to say as containing valor that is perseverant in great holiness. Valentine is said also as a valiant knight, for he was a right noble knight of God, and the knight is said valiant that fleeth not, and smiteth and defendeth valiantly and overcometh much puissantly. And so, Saint Valentine withdrew him not from his martyrdom in fleeing, he smote in destroying the idols, he defended the faith, and he overcame in suffering.”
As I reflect upon the story of Saint Valentine, a profound connection to this saint deepens. In a world often overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of daily life, Saint Valentine emerges as a saint for our time — a beacon illuminating the path to the profound value of love. His life, with its defiance, commitment, and unwavering faith, becomes a timeless narrative for us all to contemplate. This saint, who embodies the essence of fighting for love not out of hatred but out of love for what is behind us, holds a poignant relevance in our contemporary existence.
Today, as we commemorate both Ash Wednesday and Saint Valentine's Day, we find ourselves drawn into the timeless story of a saint whose legacy endures. Saint Valentine's courage in the face of persecution, his acts of love and healing, and the enduring symbol of "from your Valentine" echo through the ages, reminding us that in the heart's embrace, the spirit of Saint Valentine lives on.
Solid