Christian Men and Women

Saint Valentine

Valentine was a Christian bishop who lived in Roman times. In the year 268 the Emperor at the time who, was called Claudius, was very angry with his army. The army were being attacked by a group of people called the Goths and the Goths were beginning to beat the Romans. Claudius decided that the soldiers were not tough enough so he banned all soldiers from marrying.

When Valentine heard of this he decided to help the soldiers and continued to conduct marriages. When Claudius heard of this Valentine was thrown into a prison in a dirty cell, made to sleep on the floor and eat awful food. The jailer's daughter took pity on him and helped him by offering him extra food, cleaning his cell and finding him a blanket.

Valentine was put to death and had his head cut off. The jailer's daughter was very upset. When she went to clean his cell, she found a note tucked into the blanket. It simply read, 'Your Valentine'. Nowadays people sent their loved ones valentine cards on February 14th which is Saint Valentine's feast day.

The virtues that Valentine showed throughout his life were Justice, Courage (Fortitude) and Faith.