Claudius believed that unmarried soldiers would fight better than those with families, leading him to outlaw marriage for young men. This decree was not only an affront to Christian beliefs but also to the natural human desire for companionship and love.

In direct opposition to this unjust law, Valentine performed secret marriage ceremonies for couples who wished to unite in holy matrimony. His actions were rooted in his belief in the sanctity of marriage as a sacrament and a divine institution meant to be honored. By marrying these couples, he risked his own life and freedom, demonstrating profound courage and commitment to his faith.

Imprisonment and Miracles

Eventually, Valentine was caught performing these clandestine marriages and was imprisoned.

Valentine’s defiance of the emperor’s edict ultimately led to his execution around February 14th, between 269 and 273 A.D. He faced a brutal death that included severe beatings, stoning, and finally beheading—an ultimate sacrifice for standing firm in his beliefs about love and marriage. His final act before execution was sending a farewell note to the jailer’s daughter, signed “From your Valentine,” which has since become an enduring symbol of love.