The BLOG: Voices

The forgotten history of Saint Valentine

Anyone who grew up in a Christian home or a Christian school probably remembers watching that cheesy movie about Saint Valentine. It was a short, low-budget religious movie, and as kids, it was prime material for passing notes in class and making fun of bad acting. Unfortunately, “The First Valentine” didn’t leave much of an impression on me, but Saint Valentine, himself, is worth further examination.

Though hagiographical accounts vary, the most reliable sources point toward a third-century AD martyr who was probably a bishop in Umbria. The story tells of a miracle when Valentine healed the blind daughter of a Roman official. Though he gained the official’s favor, Valentine was still tortured for his faith and executed on Feb. 14. Interestingly, the site of his death may have taken place not far from the very site of Constantine’s victorious battle at Milvian Bridge following his conversion in 312.

Perhaps his story never gained the same popularity as that of Saint Nicholas because there is just too much speculation surrounding his history. Saint Valentine is all but forgotten today, and the only feast celebrated in his name tends to involve ungodly amounts of chocolate. Even the tradition of celebrating romance is largely disillusioned, with anti-Valentine’s Day cynicism defeating pink hearts and red roses.

But the absence of historical validity (and for that matter, of romance) does not detract from importance of the stories’ larger themes. Early Church scholars recognize that hagiographical accounts were generally exaggerated so that saints resembled Jesus. The writings were not so much about accurate storytelling as about Biblical concepts. Authors wrote of figures that bore traits of Christ, for Christians to study and emulate.

So whether we spend Valentine’s Day over a candlelit dinner, with best friends, or with Netflix, it is worth taking the time to appreciate the virtue of love in its many forms.

Mary Hierholzer

Mary Hierholzer

Mary Hierholzer is a freelance journalist and Gordon College graduate.