Patron of GreetingsSt. Valentine , a Roman priest, together with St. Marius and his family, assisted the martyrs who suffered during the reign of Emperor Claudius II in the 3rd century. Being apprehended, he was sent to the Prefect of Rome, who commanded that he be beaten with clubs and afterward beheaded. He suffered martyrdom about the year 270.
The custom of sending valentines on this day is the revival of an ancient pagan practice, which consisted in boys drawing the names of girls in honor of their goodness, Februata Juno, on February 15. To abolish this practice names of Saints were substituted on billets drawn upon this day.
PRAYER: God of power and mercy, through Your help St. Valentine has overcome the tortures of his passion. Help us who celebrate his triumph to remain victorious over the wiles of our enemies. Amen.