Who Was Saint Valentine and Why Do I Have to Send Roses on February 14th?

Valentine was a priest that helped the martyrs persecuted by Claudius II. Valentine was arrested, beaten, and executed on February 14, 270. While in jail awaiting his execution he healed the blind daughter of one of the jail keepers restoring her sight. On the eve of his death he wrote the girl a letter and signed it, “from your Valentine.”

Pope Gelasius marked February 14 St. Valentine’s Day in 498.

He is the Patron Saint of beekeepers, married and engaged couples, epileptics, travelers, and young people. He is usually pictured with roses.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the USA, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia. Every year an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent. The first Valentine’s Day greeting cards were created in 1840 by Esther Howland.