Saint Valentine

Saint Valentine is a widely recognized third century Roman saint commemorated for his death on February 14 and associated with a tradition of courtly love.

Nothing is known reliably of St. Valentine except his name and the fact that he died in the north of Rome on February 14.

The Catholic Encyclopedia speaks of three Saint Valentines that appear in connection with Feb 14th. One was a Roman priest, another a bishop; both buried outside Rome. The third was a saint who suffered on the same day with a number of companions in the Roman province of Africa, for whom nothing else is known.

Though the exact accounts of the martyrdom's of the first two listed saints contain legendary elements, a common nucleus of fact may underlie the two persons and accounts; but that they may refer to one single person.

According to the official biography of the Diocese of Terni, Bishop Valentine was born and lived in Interamna and was imprisoned and tortured, and then died in Rome on 14 February 273. His body was buried at a nearby cemetery and a few nights later his disciples came and carried him home as a symbol of love.

Τhe Catholic Church's official list of saints, shows for February 14 and gives only one Saint Valentine; a martyr who died on the Via Flaminia; whose death has now been celebrated for 1,740 years.

Now that's what I call a "Love Connection."