| − | The man commonly referred to as Saint Valentine is acknowledged by the Church to be the former Bishop of [[Terni]], a city in southern [[Umbria]], in what is now central [[Italy]]. While under house arrest of judge Asterius, and discussing his faith with him, Valentinus (the Roman pronunciation of his name) was discussing the validity of [[Jesus]]. The judge put Valentinus to the test and brought to him the judge's adopted blind daughter. If Valentinus succeeded in restoring the girl's sight, Asterius would do anything he asked. Valentinus laid his hands on her eyes and the child's vision was restored. Immediately humbled, The judge asked Valentinus what he should do. Valentinus replied that all of the [[idol]]s around the judge's house should be broken, the judge should fast for three days, and then undergo [[baptism]]. The judge obeyed and as a result, freed all the [[Christian]] inmates under his authority. The judge, his family and forty others were baptized. <ref>The Book of Saints by Rodney Castleden</ref> Unfortunately, later Valentinus was arrested again for continuing to serve Jesus and was sent to the prefect of Rome, to the emperor Claudius himself. Claudius took a liking to him until Valentinus tried to lead Claudius to Jesus, whereupon Claudius refused and condemned Valentinus to death. Commanding that Valentinus either renounce his faith or he would be beaten with clubs, and beheaded. Valentinus refused and Caludius' command was executed outside the [[Flaminian Gate]] on February 14, 269.<ref>http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=159</ref> | + | The man commonly referred to as Saint Valentine is acknowledged by the Church to be the former Bishop of [[Terni]], a city in southern [[Umbria]], in what is now central [[Italy]]. While under house arrest of judge Asterius, and discussing his faith with him, Valentinus (the Roman pronunciation of his name) was discussing the validity of [[Jesus]]. The judge put Valentinus to the test and brought to him the judge's adopted blind daughter. If Valentinus succeeded in restoring the girl's sight, Asterius would do anything he asked. Valentinus laid his hands on her eyes and the child's vision was restored. Immediately humbled, The judge asked Valentinus what he should do. Valentinus replied that all of the [[idol]]s around the judge's house should be broken, the judge should fast for three days, and then be [[baptized]]. The judge obeyed and as a result, freed all the [[Christian]] inmates under his authority. The judge, his family and forty others were baptized. <ref>The Book of Saints by Rodney Castleden</ref> Unfortunately, later Valentinus was arrested again for continuing to serve Jesus and was sent to the prefect of Rome, to the emperor Claudius himself. Claudius took a liking to him until Valentinus tried to lead Claudius to Jesus, whereupon Claudius refused and condemned Valentinus to death. Commanding that Valentinus either renounce his faith or he would be beaten with clubs, and beheaded. Valentinus refused and Claudius' command was executed outside the [[Flaminian Gate]] on February 14, 269.<ref>http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=159</ref> |