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Valentine, Bishop of Interamna,
invited young couples to come to him in secret, where he joined them in the
sacrament of matrimony. Claudius learned of this "friend of lovers," and had the
bishop brought to the palace. The emperor, impressed with the young priest's
dignity and conviction, attempted to convert him to the roman gods, to save him
from certain execution. Valentine refused to renounce Christianity and boldly
attempted to convert the emperor. On February 24,1 270, Valentine was executed.
History also claims that while
Valentine was in prison awaiting his fate, he fell in love with the blind
daughter of the jailer, Asterius. Through his faith he miraculously restored her
sight. He then signed a farewell message to her "From Your Valentine," a phrase
that would live long after its author.
Valentine would later become a
Patron Saint, and spiritual overseer of an annual festival. The festival
involved young Romans offering women they admired, and wished to court,
handwritten greetings of affection on February 14. The greeting cards acquired St. Valentine's name.
As Christianity spread, so did
the Valentine's Day card. The earliest card was sent in 1415 by Charles, duke of
Orleans, to his wife while he was a prisoner in the Tower of London.
Today Valentines Day represents
a special day to tell others you care or love them .Children celebrate at schools
and parties and dances and card exchange. Adults give cards, teddies and roses.
These quilts are a symbol of special friendships formed on line and that love knows
no distance.
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