Saint Valentine’s Day

The old Roman Martyrology lists two Saint Valentine’s for today, 14 February:

 

“At Rome, on the Flaminian Way, in the time of Emperor Claudius, the birthday of St. Valentine, priest and martyr, who after having cured and instructed many persons, was beaten with clubs and beheaded.”

 

Romæ, via Flamínia, natális sancti Valentíni, Presbyteri et Mártyris, qui, post multa sanitátum et doctrínæ insígnia, fústibus cæsus et decollátus est, sub Cláudio Caesare.                

 

“At Teramo, St. Valentine, bishop and martyr, who was scourged, committed to prison, and, because he remained unshaken in his faith, was taken out of his dungeon in the dead of night and beheaded by order of Placidus, prefect of the city.”

 

Iterámnæ sancti Valentíni, Epíscopi et Mártyris, qui, post diútinam cædem mancipátus custódiæ, et, cum superári non posset, tandem, médiæ noctis siléntio ejéctus de cárcere, decollátus est, jussu Præfécti urbis Plácidi.

 

Neither saint seems to have anything to do with romantic love, hearts, flowers, or chocolates!

 

Saint Valentine of Rome and Saint Valentine of Teramo, pray for us!

Leave a Reply