Who was Saint Valentine?
Valentinus, later St Valentine, lived during the 3rd century and was a priest or Bishop in the Roman Empire. It is thought he ministered to persecuted Christians.
It is believed that Valentinus was sent to Claudius for evangelising. Claudius condemned him to death when Valentinus attempted to convince him to embrace Christianity. Valentinus was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate on 14th February 269.
His skull, crowned with flowers, is exhibited in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome (pictured below).
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