Love in the Face of Adversity

The story of Saint Valentine, and how he became the patron saint of lovers, is as much about mystery and legend as it is about devotion and defiance. While many aspects of his life remain shrouded in uncertainty, the most widely accepted genesis of his Valentine’s Day is rooted in a tale of resistance against imperial power and a championing of love in the face of adversity.

Saint Valentine reportedly lived during the Roman Empire, around the 3rd century AD, when Emperor Claudius II, also known as Claudius Gothicus, reigned. From 268 to 270 AD, the pagan Claudius II, a man of strict military discipline, marked his reign by constant wars and military campaigns. As the Roman army grew larger, Claudius made a rather peculiar decree: he banned marriages for young men. His reasoning was that single soldiers, unencumbered by the distractions of wives and families, would make better, more focused warriors.

(Of course, he was wrong. What, after all, were the soldiers fighting for?)

This decree didn’t sit well with everyone, particularly a Christian priest named Valentine. Valentine, who was based in Rome, was known for his compassion and commitment to helping others, and he couldn’t abide by the emperor’s edict. The idea of forbidding young lovers to marry struck him as unjust and contrary to the natural law of love. So, Valentine began secretly marrying young couples in defiance of Claudius's orders.

Legend has it that Valentine would perform these clandestine weddings under the cover of darkness, in hidden corners of his church, with only a select few witnesses—while risking his life in the process. It’s said that he would also offer counseling to couples in troubled relationships, offering guidance on how to keep their love strong despite the trials and tribulations of life.

classic image of St. Valentine performs the clandestine marriage ceremony of two young lovers

However, as is often the case with clandestine actions, Valentine’s secret efforts were eventually discovered. Valentine was arrested and brought before Emperor Claudius II, who, enraged by the priest’s defiance, demanded that Valentine renounce his Christian faith and his beliefs in the sanctity of marriage. Valentine, unwavering in his devotion to love, refused to relent.

During his time in prison, Valentine continued to inspire others with his faith and commitment to love. One of the most famous parts of his story involves his interaction with the jailer’s daughter, a young blind woman. According to legend, Valentine was kind to her, and in time, she was miraculously healed of her blindness. The legend sometimes holds that Valentine himself loved the girl. On the day of his execution, it is said that Valentine sent her a note, signed “From your Valentine,” which is thought to be the origin of the now-famous tradition of sending love notes on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s fate was sealed, and he was executed by beheading on February 14, around the year 269 AD. His martyrdom, particularly in standing up for the sanctity of marriage and love, made him a symbol of selfless devotion. His actions resonated with early Christians, who saw Valentine’s courage as a model of righteousness and an embodiment of the Christian virtues of charity, love, and sacrifice.

Over time, Valentine’s story spread throughout the Christian world, and he became associated with the celebration of love and affection, particularly between couples. By the Middle Ages, February 14 had become recognized as a day to celebrate romantic love, partly due to the association of Valentine’s feast day with the tradition of courtly love that flourished in medieval Europe. In the 14th and 15th centuries, poets like Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare helped romanticize the idea of love through their works, further cementing the connection between Valentine’s Day and expressions of affection.

By the 18th century, the tradition of exchanging handwritten love notes and gifts, particularly flowers and chocolates, became more common, especially in England and later in America. The custom of sending Valentine’s cards grew, and by the early 20th century, mass-produced cards became widely available. These cards, often adorned with images of hearts, cherubs, and romantic verse, were a way for lovers to express their feelings on the special day.

Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated globally, despite its commercialization. The exchange of cards, flowers, chocolates, and gifts may be big business, but Valentine’s Day still honors the spirit of love, affection, and devotion that Saint Valentine, the priest who dared to defy an emperor for the sake of love, championed so many centuries ago.

Happy Valentine's Day from The Sorbos!

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This week, Sam Sorbo sits down with the fearless and unapologetic Based Mother, Elena Barbera, to uncover a shocking truth: the DOJ is funneling $100 million into woke classroom propaganda—undermining parental rights and reshaping education behind our backs.

Elena, a bold Christian conservative and homeschooling advocate, breaks it all down—what’s happening, why it matters, and how you can fight back. This is more than a conversation; it’s a wake-up call.

The future of our children is on the line. Don’t miss this powerful episode, streaming now on Sam’s YouTube channel.