Do you know the origin of St. Valentine's Day?

Like many holidays that we have grown accustomed to, the origin of Valentine's day is deeply rooted in spiritual meaning.

In the early years after Jesus walked the earth, all Roman citizens were ordered to bow down before the Roman gods. One Roman, Valentinus, felt his heart with Christ and Christ alone, and so he publicly refused to follow the edict. Impatient with infidels, the Roman governor had Valentinus thrown in jail and sentenced to death.

While in prison, Valentinus became friends with a jailer who had a daughter, a little blind girl named Julia. The jailer soon realized that Valentinus was a man of powerful faith and deep wisdom, so he brought young Julia to Valentinus each day for personal instruction.

Valentinus and Julia became dear friends. As the days passed, they grew devoted to one another--they shared learning, laughter, and the joys that only a friendship of the heart can bring.

Not long before Valentinus was scheduled to be executed, Julia came to him for help. "Valentinus, will I ever be able to see?" she asked. "My dear child," the elder counseled, "God can do anything. Simply open your heart to love, and miracles will happen." "Oh, yes, Valentinus," Julia responded, "I do trust that God can heal me!"

At that moment a great light flooded the prison cell. A luminous wave flowed over Valentinus and Julia like a brilliant mantle of peace. Both of them were touched and changed. When the light had dissipated, Julia exclaimed, "My God, Valentinus, I can see! It is a miracle!"

"Praise be to God!" Valentinus proclaimed. Julia rested her head in his bosom and the two of them wept tears of joy.

The next time Julia came to visit Valentinus, he was gone. He had been taken to his execution. But there, lying on the prison bed, was a note for Julia written by Valentinus. Julia, now you know the power of God. Love God with all of your heart and you will be at peace. Trust in life. Trust love. Trust in the Heart that brought us together. I have been greatly blessed by your beautiful spirit. Always remember that I love you and that my love goes with you wherever your are.The letter was signed, "Your Valentine."

On the next day, February 14, Valentinus was executed in the adjoining courtyard. The almond tree in the courtyard bore flowers throughout the entire year that followed, as it does to this day. So it stands and still offers blessings, a symbol of the undying love that created miracles in the lives of Valentinus, Julia, and in our lives as well.

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