Subj : February 14th - St. Valentine To : All From : rich Date : Thu Feb 13 2020 08:08:54 From: rich 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] <><><><> 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) .