Valentine was a priest and bishop of the third century who dedicated himself to the care of persecuted Christians. When enemies attacked the Christians, Valentine showed them that he was their friend by attending to their injuries when others might have been too afraid to offer any assistance. Valentine put his heart into his concern for others.

Valentine was martyred in the middle of February during the annual mating season of birds in Rome. On the anniversary of his death, the early Christians honored Valentine by exchanging written greetings of love and affection with their mates. This custom developed into our contemporary custom of exchanging valentines with friends and loved ones.

St. Valentine - Our Patron Saint