There is some historical confusion about who St. Valentine actually was because we have three versions of Valentines referenced in the early Church. Most likely, the one we celebrate today was a priest, probably a bishop, who lived in the third century. By all accounts, he was a man of deep faith, profound conviction and radical courage. He was committed to serving Christ and promoting the love of God. 

During Valentine’s life, Emperor Claudius II decided to outlaw marriage because he believed that this would help him gain more soldiers in his army (as married men would be less willing to leave their wives and families). The protection and growth of his empire was his No. 1 priority. 

So Valentine, wanting to support vocations, began marrying couples in secret. 

He knew that love was more powerful and important than anything else in this world. To live from this sacred standpoint enables us to get to the heart of what it means to be a human person.

This provides the first lesson that Valentine highlights with his life: When injustice occurs around us, we are called to keep our priorities straight. When we are challenged to live out our faith and act for the good of others, we are invited to do as Christ did, including to be willing to sacrifice for loved ones — living out love as a verb. 

When word spread about Valentine’s actions, he was imprisoned. While behind bars, he became friendly with the jailor. They enjoyed their conversations and became close. Valentine was even attributed with healing the jailor’s blind daughter. Valentine befriended the daughter as well — and he would frequently sign his letters to her, “from your Valentine.” 

Here, we can view another lesson about love from St. Valentine: To love and be loved brings peace and comfort to us and others because this is what we were made for; consequently, love should be the rule of our relationships, which require quality time and connection (maybe even including St. Valentine’s favorite correspondence method) amid our busy schedules. 

Valentine’s faithful dedication ultimately cost him his life. The love that he lived for became the love he died for in his martyrdom. It is that witness that we honor. The question of Valentine’s Day ought to be: How can I live more like this great saint every single day, not just on Feb. 14? 

May we become more sacrificial, radical and courageous in our love for God and others — reflecting, as St. Valentine did, that beautiful truth that God is love.