From: rich <
richarra@gmail.com>
February 14th - St. Valentine
The saint we celebrate today has two different histories. Whether or
not they are about the same man or two different men has been debated
for many years. As with many hagiographies of the earlier centuries,
one might conclude that they are a mixture of truth and fiction. Also
one might find that the facts can neither be proved nor disproved.
One tradition we will consider is about a Valentine, a very holy
priest who lived in Rome during the persecution of Christians by
Claudius II, the Gothic ruler. He is said to have helped St. Marius
and his family minister to the Christians who had been imprisoned for
their faith. We don't know anything of his birth, family or early
life. In the third century, this was apparently not of general
importance. In time, Valentine, was also arrested and sent by Claudius
to the prefect of Rome, who tried by many threats and promises to
force him to renounce his faith. When he refused, he was cruelly
mistreated and finally executed on February 14th, about the year 270.
Another tradition is about Bishop Valentine of Interamna (Terni) which
is about sixty miles from Rome. He was a very holy man and many came
to be converted because of his Christian example. During the same
persecution of Claudius II, the Goth, Bishop Valentine was arrested
and sent to Rome where he was subsequently executed because he refused
to denounce his faith in Christ.
Many believe that the two Valentines are the same man. However in the
early centuries it was not uncommon if a saint's memory is associated
with a particular day, that other saints of the same name are also
commemorated on that day. So it is possible that the two Valentines
are in fact two different men.
How the secular practice of sending valentine cards on this day came
about is also open to debate. One tradition tells of a pagan practice
of boys drawing names of girls from a basket on February 15th in honor
of the pagan goddess, Februata Juno. Many Christians pastors
counteracted this practice, by having a basket filled with the names
of saints, and the saint whose name was drawn was meant to be the
model for that individual boy or girl to emulate.
A later tradition says that Valentine cards came about because of
birds beginning to pair on February 14th, which happened to be the
feast of St. Valentine. Poets of the day developed this into a
romantic tradition of boys and girls pairing on this day. The earliest reference to this is apparently the 15th century "Paston Letters." The
first letter mentions St. Valentine's day and the birds choosing a
mate. The letter invites a young man to come and speak to the father
of the marriageable daughter. Thus the name Valentine came to be
associated with such letters or cards that were sent on that date.
Whatever the origin and validity of these traditions, it is most
likely that there was in fact a Valentine who was executed for
refusing to renounce his belief in Jesus. It is only through a great
love of God that he could be willing to die for this belief. What more
fitting a symbol of this love. It is the love from one's heart that is
the source of strength and courage for holiness.
Saint Quote:
May work and suffering for God always be your glory and in your work
and suffering, may God be your consolation on this earth, and your
recompense in heaven.
--Blessed Thomas Mary Fusco
Bible Quote:
My brethren, show no partiality as you hold the faith of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. [James 2:1]
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SIMEON'S PRAYER
Lord, now You let Your servant go in peace.
Your word has been fulfilled.
My own eyes have seen the salvation
which You have prepared in the sight of every people.
A light to reveal You to the nations
and the glory of Your people Israel.
Amen.
--- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2
* Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4)