When most people think of Valentines Day, they picture roses, chocolates, and hearts all around, but many are unaware of the reason why we celebrate it in the first place. 

During the reign of Claudius the Cruel in Rome, the city took part in numerous bloody battles. Claudius sought to build a powerful army that would protect the Romans from harm’s way but was struggling to find men willing to serve.

Claudius concluded that this reluctance was because men were too attached to their families, and, therefore, banned marriage and engagement from Rome altogether. Valentine, a holy priest, defied Claudius’ orders and continued to marry couples in secret.

Upon discovering his Valentine’s actions, Claudius demanded that he be arrested and sentenced to death. On February 14th, around the year 270 CE, Valentine was beheaded before the prefect of Rome. He was officially canonized by Pope Gelasius I in 496 CE.

Unfortunately, in 1969, he was removed from the General Roman Calendar due to the lack of knowledge about him. Even to historians and theologists, something as simple as his name remains a mystery.

Despite these uncertainties about his life, Valentine is still recognized as an official saint and is honored for his bravery.

So, this Valentines Day, whether you go out with friends or stay home curled up watching a rom-com, remember St. Valentine and his nobility to preserve love, even when it was outlawed.