St. Valentine resided in Rome under the reign of Emperor Claudius. A skilled physician and a devoted priest, he emerged as one of the most revered martyrs of the third century, meeting his martyrdom in the year 270. The tale recounts that on the day of his execution due to his unwavering Christian faith, he left a message of encouragement for the child of his jailer. The note, inscribed on an unusually shaped piece of parchment, became the prototype for the heartfelt messages and cards exchanged in what numerous nations now commemorate as Valentine’s Day. Other stories and traditions suggest that St. Valentine fervently worked to convert pagans, an effort that was not well-received by the pagan Roman government. Additionally, it is said that he united Christian couples in matrimony, defying the prohibitions set by the pagan regime, hence earning him the esteemed title of the patron saint of the married and those in love. (adapted from Treasury of Daily Prayer)