The history of Valentine's Day - and its patron saint - is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.

So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl - who may have been his jailor's daughter - who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

"Those who love deeply never grow old;
they may die of old age, but they die young." - Sir Arthur Wing Pinero 1855-1934

Valentine's Day is named in memory of St. Valentine of Rome who died in 269 AD. Saint Valentine was arrested by Emporer Claudius II for helping Christian martyrs. After refusing to give up the Christian faith he was beaten to death with clubs and beheaded by the Prefect of Rome on February 14th. In 469 A.D. Pope Gelasius set February 14th as a day to honor him. Saint Valentine became the patron saint of epilepsy; having suffered from it in life. Saint Valentine also became the patron saint of lovers as the church assimilated the fertility festival Lupercalia into their calendar.

Lupercalia or Februarca, The Feast of Purifcation, used to be on February 15th and contained priests called Luperci who prayed to the wolf deity Lycaeus at the cave of Palentine. Lycaeus was the mother of the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. Marc Antony was master of the Luperci priests during his lifetime and in 44. B.C. offered the crown to Julius Caesar. The names Lyceum Temple of Love and February pure remain in the language today.

Love you John!

Feast of Saint Valentine (Italy): Young people gathered in groves and gardens to listen to love poetry and music.

The Wolf Whistle: A man who chases after women. From the Roman fertility feast Lupercalia that celebrated the Wolf.

Drawing Lots: Rome: Roman youths drew the names of girls who would be their partners during Lupercalia. This custom was Christianized and spread to Europe. England and Germany: Name drawn known as valentine or sweetheart. Later, names of saints were drawn instead of girls and girls were supposed to model the saint's behavior for the year. This change was not popular. France: The first young man seen by a girl on the morning of Valentine's day became her boy-friend, called a cavalier or valentin for the year. At the end of the year engagement usually followed.