Happy Valentine's Day

Patron of Love
Patron of Romance
Patron against fainting
Patron of Engaged couples
Patron of Happy Marriages
Patron of plague and epilepsy
Patron of Bee keepers and Florists

In today’s world, we view Saint Valentine (the Catholic version of Eros) as the Patron Saint who assists us in finding a lover and all the other rituals we have that is associated with February 14th such as giving cards, chocolates, jewelry, or sending flowers from the florist. Roses are the traditional flower to give on this day of lovers. On February 14 around the year 278 A.D., Valentine, a holy priest in Rome in the days of Emperor Claudius II, was executed.
Under the rule of Claudius the Cruel, Rome was involved in many unpopular and bloody campaigns. The emperor had to maintain a strong army, but was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. Claudius believed that Roman men were unwilling to join the army because of their strong attachment to their wives and families.
To get rid of the problem, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.
When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Valentine was arrested and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. The sentence was carried out on February 14, on or about the year 270.
While in prison awaiting his execution, Valentine wrote letters—including one to the daughter of the prison guard.  Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine." This farewell note developed the custom of sending “Valentines” or love letters on the saint’s feast day.
For his great service, Valentine was named a saint after his death.
Happy Valentine
For Ray

for Spicy_D69




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