Saint Valentine, a Roman bishop and martyr of the 3rd century, is universally recognized as the patron saint of lovers. His story, although partly shrouded in legend, tells of a man of faith who defied the edict of Emperor Claudius II, who forbade marriages for soldiers, believing that family ties distracted them from military service. Valentine, on the other hand, secretly celebrated unions of love, convinced that marriage was a divine sacrament.
His devotion to love and faith led to his imprisonment and, ultimately, to martyrdom. It is said that, before his execution, he healed the blind daughter of his jailer, Asterius, converting the whole family to Christianity. Tradition has it that his last words were a message of love for the young woman, signed "From your Valentine", giving rise to the custom of exchanging love notes on this occasion.
The veneration of Saint Valentine spread widely, especially in the Middle Ages, when his figure became associated with spring and the mating of birds, symbols of rebirth and love. His feast day, February 14, became an opportunity to celebrate romantic love and affection between people, uniting Christian spirituality with popular traditions. Today, Saint Valentine is a universal symbol of love, dedication and hope, inspiring millions of people to express their deepest feelings.
