St Valentine’s Day February 14th 2016 Happy St. Valentine’s Day! There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine’s Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it “From Your Valentine”. Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine. Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers.
A Prayer to Saint Valentine
Oh Holy Saint Valentine bless all people who are in love. For all engaged and newly married couples bless them on their new journey together. Help them to always be there for each other in the good and hard times in life. Bless all couples who have known each other for many years and share many memories. May they remain a good example to many a hopeful heart.
Keep sheltered all who ask of your help with their relationships. 
St Valentine comfort those who are experiencing a breakdown in their relationship, assure them of God’s love for them while they find answers to their uncertainties. Keep them truthful to themselves and their partner and pray that their love for each other will find a way forward.
St Valentine we do not have to be in love to experience the feeling of being loved. Through your intercession I pray to God our Father that every person feels loved and in feeling loved we show love to others in the things that we say and do.
Amen.
