Why did Saint Valentine become a martyr?

Answer 1

Valentine (3rd century), martyr. Two Valentines are listed in the Roman Martyrology on 14 February: one a Roman priest martyred on the Flaminian Way, supposedly under Claudius, the other a bishop of Terni who was martyred at Rome, but whose relics were translated to Terni. The Acts of both are unreliable and the Bollandists assert that these two Valentines were in fact one and the same. Neither of them seems to have any clear connection with lovers or courting couples. The reason for this famous patronage is that birds are supposed to pair on 14 February, a belief at least as old as Chaucer, just as the custom of choosing and calling oneself a Valentine is at least as old as the Paston Letters. On the other hand, some authorities see the custom of choosing a partner on St. Valentine's Day as the survival of elements of the Roman Lupercalia festival, which took place in the middle of February. Whatever the reason, the connection of lovers with St. Valentine, with all its consequences for the printing and retailing industries, is one of the less likely results of the cult of the Roman martyrs. No churches in England seem to be dedicated to Valentine, but from 1835 his relics are claimed by the Carmelite church in Dublin. Feast: 14 February.

Answer 2

A:

The one fact that can be stated confidently is that we know nothing about the legendary Saint Valentine, not even whether he actually existed. All that we know about Valentine, or believe we know about him is factoids, not facts. When, in 496, Pope Gelasius included Valentine among all those "... whose names are justly reverenced among men, but whose acts are known only to God," Gelasius implies that nothing was known to him about the life of Valentine, over two centuries earlier. Legends about St Valentine abound, but are mainly different accounts around his arrest and martyrdom. They do not really explain why he became a priest.

Catholic AnswerThere are nearly a dozen saints name Valentine, you may view their stories at the link below.

Answer 3

St. Valentine, an early Christian priest or bishop, refused to accept the Roman Emperor's order to not marry couples. He continued to do so in secret and was, eventually, taken prisoner and martyred for his holy work.

Answer 4

The legend says that Roman Emperor Claudius II Gothicus needed to raise an army but could not draft married men. He made it against the law for people to marry. Valentine continued to marry couples in secret until the authorities caught up with him. He was arrested, tortured and beheaded.

There is no doubt that at least one Saint Valentine existed, in fact, there are about 14 recognized by the Church. Confusion arises because two of these Valentines suffered martyrdom in Rome about the same time under Roman Emperor Claudius II Gothicus. One was a priest working in Rome and the second was Valentine the Bishop of Interamna, Terni, in Italy, who happened to be in Rome on Church business at the time. Their lives had become so intertwined and embellished by hagiographers over the years that it became impossible to separate them and the stories circulating. What was truth and what was legend? In 1969, due to this confusion, Saint Valentine was removed from the Calendar of Saints. His cult has not been suppressed so veneration is still allowed. However, any saint undergoing martyrdom for their faith is most worthy of veneration even if the whole story remains shrouded in mystery and legend.

Answer 5

The one thing that can be stated confidently is that we know nothing about the legendary Saint Valentine, not even whether he actually existed. If there is considerable doubt whether Valentine existed, we can not say with any certainty that he was martyred, or why. When, in 496, Pope Gelasius included Valentine among all those "... whose names are justly reverenced among men, but whose acts are known only to God," Gelasius implies that nothing was known to him about the life of Valentine, over two centuries earlier. Nevertheless, tradition says that St. Valentine was arrested and executed for secretly marrying young couples so that the husbands could avoid military service.

Answer 6

Valentine became a patron saint of lovers when the Roman Emperor made it illegal for couples to get married. He needed men for his army and could not draft married men. Valentine continued to marry couples in secret. When the emperor found out, he had Valentine thrown into prison. While in jail he became a close friend of the jailer's young daughter. Just before he was executed for his crime, he sent her a letter in which he told her to remain faithful to God. He signed it, "From your Valentine."

He died for doing what was correct. He was a martyr.