Valentine’s Day Story – St Valentine in Rome

Once upon a time in Rome, there was a Christian Saint called Valentine who was very friendly with kids.

Those were the times when Romans were not in favor of Christianity. In fact, the Roman regime used to persecute preachers of Christianity. Yet, Valentine continued his faith and did not worship Roman Gods. This led to his imprisonment by Emperor Claudius II.

While he was in prison, the kids used to miss him. They started dropping notes and flowers to him through the bars of his cell’s window. Perhaps this is the reason why we exchange messages and presents flowers on Valentine’s Day.

It is said that Valentine befriended the jailer’s blind daughter who help him communicate with the kids. He started praying for her and gradually the jailer’s daughter regained her eyesight.

It is believed that Valentine was later killed as he tried to help Christians escape from the Roman prison. Some say that Emperor Claudius II was impressed by Valentine's kindness. He was ready to free Valentine if he agreed to worship Roman Gods. Valentine, a firm believer of Christianity however refused and tried to convert the Emperor instead. An enraged Claudius ordered Saint Valentine’s execution on February 14.

Legend has it that before his death, Valentine wrote a farewell note for the jailer's daughter and signed it "From Your Valentine”. This expression is popularly used on Valentine’s Day even now.