Happy Valentinus Day

Chocolates, romantic dinners, roses, and love notes will be shared today. “I love you” will be whispered into the ears of lovers. Hugs and kisses will commemorate the occasion. That’s the kind of thing you do on Valentine’s Day. But do you know why?

It all has to do with a man named Valentinus (later called St. Valentine). Some believe there may have been three different men named Valentinus and that they were all martyred on February 14. Sounds coincidental if you ask me. Controversy also exists that two of the “Valentines” are one and the same.

Regardless, the love story is shrouded in mystery. History, however, has proven the existence of the Valentinus I speak of today. Archaeologists uncovered a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to him. Plus, his name is mentioned in a popular book of 1260, with a further reference in 1493. But let’s get to the good stuff.

Valentinus was a leader in the church who lived under the Roman Empire during the third century. Claudius II was the emperor at the time. Claudius was a fierce warrior, skilled in battle. He ruled with a firm hand and was so mean that he earned the nickname “Claudius the Cruel.”

Outside tribes threatened the invasion of the Roman Empire. To address these barbaric threats, Emperor Claudius tried to recruit more men into his army. He hung posters in cities and villages searching for strong, young men to fight. Who wouldn’t want to be a mighty Roman warrior? You only had to be obligated for 25 years! Furthermore, soldiers could not wed. Whaaaat? Was he serious? Yep, he was!

Of course, only a limited number of recruits signed up. Claudius was livid believing it was because soldiers were unwilling to leave their loved ones. As a result, he made a law to ban all marriages and engagements.

Enter Valentinus who saw the wrongdoing and the heartbreak of couples in love. Because Valentinus was a man of God, he did not worship Roman gods as most did. He also believed that marriage was God’s idea. “No emperor can hinder what God created,” he thought.

Risking his life while being obedient to God, Valentinus agreed to conduct secret wedding ceremonies in the depths of the woods under the cover of darkness. Couple after couple came to be married by the brave priest who defied Roman orders. 

Naturally, it was only a matter of time before Valentinus was caught and dragged before the angry emperor. “How can you be so bold as to defy my orders?”

I love this part. It reminds me of Paul and other devout men whose love and passion for God outweighed their fear. The valor of Valentinus stunned onlookers. “The grace of God is stronger than your ungodly order,” said Valentinus to the emperor. “I will never deny God and worship Roman idols.”

I’m sure gasps were heard.

The conversation continued (according to the writings of 1260). Valentinus declared God’s saving grace if Claudius would believe. But just like King Agrippa who thought Paul’s words of defense made sense (Acts 26), Claudius thought Valentinus’s words made sense. However, the chief prison guard challenged his boldness.

“Why should we turn our backs on worshipping Roman gods when this is what we’ve done all our lives?”

Claudius abruptly changed his mind and commanded Valentinus to be executed. Valentinus comforted himself knowing he had presented salvation to the emperor. Though he rejected it, perhaps he would one day accept it.

The story doesn’t end here!

While Valentinus was imprisoned, the prison guard heard the prayers of Valentinus and asked if God could restore sight to his daughter, who had been blind since birth. “I will believe in your God if He can make my daughter see.”

The next day, the prison guard ran to Valentinus’ prison cell. “My daughter can see!” True to his word, the prison guard and his entire family believed in Jesus.

Sadly, the execution of Valentinus remained in place. On February 14, he was put to death. February 14 was the same day that the Romans celebrated Juno, the pagan goddess of women and marriage. It was also the eve of the Feast of Lupercalia, a festival meant to purify the city and promote health and fertility. Animal sacrifices were made, women were whipped with strips of the sacrificed animal hides, and random matchmaking took place.

Almost two hundred years later, a leader in the church declared February 14 to be the day Christians honored and remembered the courage of Valentinus. This effectively “Christianized” the pagan holiday and feast.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another (I John 4:11).