"The history of Valentine's Day begins in the third century with an oppressive Roman emperor and a humble Christian martyr. The emperor was Claudius II. The Christian was Valentino.
Claudio ordered all Romans to worship twelve gods, and made it a crime punishable by death to associate with Christians. But Valentino was dedicated to the ideals of Christ; Even the threat of death could stop practicing their beliefs. He was arrested and imprisoned.
During the last weeks of the life of Valentino something remarkable happened. Seeing that he was a man of science, the jailer asked whether his daughter, Julia, can be carried Valentino for classes. She had been blind since birth. Julia was a very young girl, with a sharp mind. Valentino read stories in the history of Rome for her. He described the world of nature to her. He taught arithmetic and spoke of God. She saw the world through his eyes, wisdom, confidence, and found comfort in his quiet strength.
"Valentino, God hears our prayers?" Julia asked one day.
"Yes, son, He hears everyone."
"You know what I pray every morning and every night? I pray that I can see. I really want to see everything you told me!"
"God does what is best for us if we" Valentino said.
"Oh, Valentino, I think! Yo!" He knelt and held out his hand.
They sat in silence, each sentence. Suddenly there was a bright light in the prison cell. Heating, Julia screamed, "Valentino, I can see! I see!"
"Glory to God!" Valentino said, and knelt in prayer.
On the eve of his death, Valentino wrote a last note to Julia, urging her to stay close to God. He signed "From your Valentine". His sentence was executed the next day, February 14, 270 AD, near a gate that was later named Porta Valentini in his memory. He was buried in what is now the Church of Rome Práxedes. it is said that Julia planted a pink flower almond tree near his grave. Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of eternal love and friendship. Each Day February 14 Valentine's messages of affection, love and devotion are exchanged around the world. "
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