To the Church and Christians, Saint Valentine was a courageous priest who died for love and lived to share it. Born in Terni, Italy over 1800 years ago, Bishop Valentine became known as the “Protector of Lovers.” In secrecy, Bishop Valentine married young people even though it was against the law. He was a defender of women’s rights and believed women had a better survival rate if they were married, because there was no protection for them. Also, it was said Bishop Valentine cured the disabled, so people began to believe in him and this inspired many to convert to Christianity. However, Claudius II, the Roman Emperor, believed that men should be soldiers, not in love and promised to marriage. Claudius II did not like St. Valentine or people converting to Christianity. St. Valentine was imprisoned and later beheaded. Before his murder on February 14th, he wrote a note from his prison cell, sent back by a dove, signed “From your Valentine.” Maybe this is the reason why we send Valentine cards, candy and flowers to our loved ones?
I reached out to a few PA students to hear their plans for Valentines Day. Senior Ryan Richelsen, was planning to drive to see his girlfriend two hours away and spend the day together. Ryan replied “We are planning to go hiking on the bluffs, going to dinner, and then skating.” Senior “Seabass” Brown and Megan White had dinner at Wayzata Country club and then hung out afterwards at Megan’s house. Juniors Ryan “Hoogs” Hoogenakker, Samantha Russell, Mary Benites and myself all met at a nice restaurant for good food and conversation. Junior Alex “Bus” Witkowski made plans with a friend from tennis, Anna Harlan. They went to Bacico for dinner and then back to Alex’s place to watch TV and talk. Valentines day is celebrated many different ways, however let’s remember who and what St. Valentine did for others.