The story of St. Valentine's Day begins in the third century with a tyrant Roman emperor and a humble Christian martyr. The emperor was Claudius III. The Christian was Valentino. Claudius had ordained all Christians to worship twelve gods, and had declared that associating with Christians was a crime punishable by the death penalty. Valentino had devoted himself to the ideals of Christ and not even death threats stopped him from practicing his beliefs. Valentino was arrested and sent to prison. During the last weeks of his life, something impressive happened. The jailer, having seen that Valentino was a man of letters, asked permission to bring his daughter, Julia, to receive lessons from Valentino. Julia, who had been blind from birth, was a young and agile mind. Valentino read him stories of Roman history, taught him arithmetic and told him about God. She saw the world through Valentino's eyes, relied on her wisdom and found support in her quiet fortress.
"Valentino, is it true that God hears our prayers?" Julia asked him one day. "Yes, my child, he listens to each and every one of our prayers," Valentino replied. "You know what I ask of God every night and every morning? I pray that I can see. I have a great desire to see everything you have told me!" Valentino replied, "God always does the best for us, if we believe in Him." "Oh, Valentino, I do believe in God," said Julia with great intensity. "I believe." She knelt down and squeezed Valentino's hand. They sat together, each in prayer. Suddenly, a bright light illuminated the prison cell. Radiant, Julia exclaimed, "Valentino, I can see, I can see!" "Glory to God!" Exclaimed Valentino.
On the eve of his death, Valentino wrote a last letter to Julia asking him to stay close to God and signed "De Tu Valentino." Valentino was executed the following day, the 14 of February of the year 270, near a door that later was designated Door of Valentino to honor his memory. It was buried in what is now the Church of Praxedes in Rome. Legend has it that Julia planted an almond tree with pink flowers next to her tomb. Today, the almond tree is a symbol of lasting love and friendship. Every 14th of February, on Valentine's Day, messages of affection, love and devotion are exchanged around the world.
