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[[Image:Stval.jpg|right|thumb| St. Valentine]]

[[Image:Stval.jpg|right|thumb| St. Valentine]]

'''St. Valentine''' (birthdate unknown; d. February 14, 269) Catholic Bishop of Terni who was persecuted and martyred by Roman Emperor Claudius II (Gothicus) for refusing to give up his Christian faith. In 496, Pope Gelasius marked February 14th as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom. Valentine became well known for the way he cared for others.

'''St. Valentine''' (birthdate unknown; d. February 14, 269) [[Catholic]] Bishop of Terni who was persecuted and martyred by Roman Emperor Claudius II (Gothicus) for refusing to give up his [[Christian]] faith. In 496, Pope Gelasius marked February 14th as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom. St. Valentine became well known for the way he cared for others.

==Legend==

==Legend==

While under house arrest of judge Asterius, he discussing the validity of Jesus's claims. Asterius put Valentine to a test and brought to him his adopted blind daughter. If Valentine succeeded in restoring the girls sight Asterius would do anything he asked. He laid his hands on her eyes and miraculously her vision was restored. Asterius asked what he should do for Valentine. Valentine said small idols around the house, fast for three days, and undergo baptism. Asterius freed the Christian inmates and him, his family and forty other were baptized. <ref>The Book of Saints by Rodney Castleden</ref> It was soon after that all were rounded up and killed, including St. Valentine.  Another legend says on the eve of his death, he penned a farewell note to the jailer's daughter, "From your Valentine."

While under house arrest of judge Asterius, he discussing the validity of Jesus's claims. Asterius put Valentine to a test and brought to him his adopted blind daughter. If Valentine succeeded in restoring the girls sight Asterius would do anything he asked. St. Valentinr laid his hands on her eyes and miraculously her vision was restored. Asterius asked what he should do for Valentine. Valentine said small idols around the house should be broken, fast for three days, and undergo [[baptism]]. Asterius freed the Christian inmates, he and his family plus forty other were baptized. <ref>The Book of Saints by Rodney Castleden</ref> It was soon after that all were rounded up and killed, including St. Valentine.  Another legend says on the eve of his death, he penned a farewell note to the jailer's daughter, "From your Valentine."

==Circumstances Under Roman Authority==

==Circumstances Under Roman Authority==

Valentine was a priest of Rome that spoke with courage regarding his faith in Jesus. At the time, the Roman Empire official sanctioned the worship of pagan Roman gods. This would lead to challenges, confrontation and eventual Valentine's arrest. St. Valentine's official charge against him was marrying Christian couples and aiding any Christians who were being persecuted under Emperor Claudius, a Roman crime. His strength to proclaim and refusal to deny Christ ultimately led to his death. Emperor Claudius fearing rebellion, ordered Valentine beaten with clubs then beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate, Feb. 14th. <ref>[http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=159 St. Valentine] Catholic Online</ref>

Valentine was a priest of [[Rome]] that spoke with courage regarding his faith in Jesus. At the time, the Roman Empire official sanctioned the worship of pagan Roman gods. This would lead to challenges, confrontation and eventual Valentine's arrest. St. Valentine's official charge against him was marrying Christian couples and aiding any Christians who were being persecuted under [[Emperor Claudius]], a Roman crime. His strength to proclaim and refusal to deny Christ ultimately led to his death. Emperor Claudius fearing rebellion, ordered Valentine beaten with clubs then beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate, Feb. 14th. <ref>[http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=159 St. Valentine] Catholic Online</ref>

==Relics==

==Relics==