There seem to be several versions of who the real St. Valentine was. Many times, just as is the case with the real St. Patrick the real story of some of these saints "HOLIDAYS" are based in a follower of Christ who gave their whole lives for Christ.

Below is a story about St. Valentine.

Be inspired by the story.

But if you do what Kathy suggests, you will also do the dishes!

---Steve Shultz, THE ELIJAH LIST
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Note: Kathie Walters often writes about the early Saints of God--Many of whom were prophetic and who were martyred for their faith---- Her articles can often be seen in Charisma magazine.
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THE REAL ST. VALENTINE - By Kathy Walters

ST. VALENTINE - MINISTER AND PRIEST IN ROME --- CIRCA 270 AD

Valentine, along with Marius and his family helped and served the Christians who were martyred under the persecution of Claudius 11.

Eventually he stirred up the wrath of Claudius and he himself was arrested and sent by the emperor to the Prefect of Rome.

WOULD HE RECANT HIS FAITH?

The prefect tried to make him recant of his faith by promising all kinds of favors. When these had no effect on Valentine and he insisted that Christ was the only way and continued to condemn the idols, he commanded Valentine to be beaten with clubs, and afterwards to be be-headed.

PRAYING FOR THE JAILER'S BLIND DAUGHTER

He refused to retract his praise of Christ when he was beaten and went gladly to prison. It was said that during his stay in prison he prayed for the jailer's daughter, who was blind. She was healed and when Valentine went to the executioner for execution on 14th Feb, he left her a farewell note of encouragement - "From Valentine."

REPLACING PAGAN PRACTICES WITH THE HONOR OF GODLY MEN

Some early church pastors made an attempt at abolishing a custom on 15th February.

The boys would draw the name of a girl in honor of the goddess Februata Juno and the Pastors replaced the names and put a list of revered Christians there instead -

So--- our "St. Valentines day" seems to be a bit of a mixture -

----so MEN, instead of buying a card for your wife/sweetheart every year, buy one every week, along with a huge bunch of roses and DO THE DISHES!
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Note: Julius is said to have built a church in his honor near Ponte Mole and gave name to the gate now called, Porta Del Popolo, formerly Porta Valentini. His remains are now in the church of St. Praxedes.

His name is celebrated as that of a godly servant and martyr in many martyrologies.

Every Blessing, Kathie Walters

"Seers" Manual now available from goodnews@hom.net or 800-300-9630 ($4.50) Kathie's books and tapes: www.goodnews.netministries.org/kathie.htm