LET'S CELEBRATE SAINT VALENTINE'S DAY

Historical archives make mention of at least three different individuals (and perhaps as many as seven) credited with the name of Saint Valentine (or Valentinus). The three discussed here were all martyred for their faith and have been recognized by the Catholic Church. The first is described as a priest who resided in Rome and the second is described as a Bishop who resided in Interamna (known today as Terni) in Italy. These two Saint Valentines appear to have been alive during the second half of the Third Century and are said by some sources to be buried on the Flaminia Consular Way...but at different distances from the City of Rome. The ancient Flaminian Gate is now called the Porta del Popolo, but was formerly referred to as the Gate of Saint Valentine. The name seems to have originated from a small church dedicated in the name of the saint which was in the immediate vicinity. Official reports regarding the interrogation of both the aforementioned saints are preserved, but are of a relatively late date and deemed to have little, if any, historical value. Some authorities on the subject believe that the two Saint Valentines mentioned above are likely one and the same individual...a Roman priest who became Bishop in Interamna and was then sentenced there before being returned to Rome for execution. Since both lived during the reign of the same Roman emperor and are believed to have died on the same day, this assumption probably has some validity. The third Saint Valentine is said to have practiced in Africa with a number of associates prior to his martrydom, but nothing further is known of this particular personage and it is doubtful that he is associated in any manner with the modern day celebration of Saint Valentine's Day.