Today, the feast of Saint Valentine is celebrated, a Roman bishop and martyr from the 3rd century regarded as the protector of lovers. Despite the lack of historical data about him, he remains a beloved saint among the faithful. Known for his wisdom and exemplary life, Valentine was a physician and priest, and was respected by both pagans and Christians. He is attributed with many miraculous healings and is especially noted for visiting martyrs in prison and performing weddings for Christian couples.

According to tradition, Emperor Claudius II wished to meet Valentine personally, though the bishop sensed that the encounter might lead to his martyrdom. When asked by a judge for his opinion about Roman gods, he declared them to be demons, which incited outrage among the assembly, demanding his death. Fearing a riot, the emperor handed Valentine over to the city prefect. While imprisoned, Valentine converted the jailer by healing his daughter's blindness. However, the prefect had him beaten, stoned, and ultimately beheaded for his beliefs.

The story of Saint Valentine exemplifies the early Christian struggle against Roman authority and the valor of those who stood firm in their faith. As the patron saint of lovers, Valentine represents not just the personal commitment of love, but also the broader theme of sacrificial devotion amidst persecution, making his legacy significant even in modern times, particularly around Valentine's Day celebrations.