st. valentine was a catholic saint eaten by lions in roman arena?

Question

it's his saint day today. before he was eaten alive, for the
pleasure of zee People, by lions from africa, he and another
christian girl slated for 'entertainment' fell in love for about
three hours as they waited their turn to be turned into
'entertainment'. she was forced to watch as he was eaten
alive, and her heart was eaten out forever, and then it was
her turn, to be eaten alive. those who follow the god of love
and even the unknown god did not die in vain. for today is
still st. valentine's day.

Answer 1

Little is known for sure about Valentine. Whoever he was, Valentine really existed because archaeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to Saint Valentine. In 496 AD Pope Gelasius marked February 14th as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom.

A book published in 1493 tells this story: Valentine was a Roman priest martyred during the reign of Claudius the Goth [Claudius II].

Since he was caught marrying Christian couples and aiding any Christians who were being persecuted under Emperor Claudius in Rome [when helping them was considered a crime], Valentine was arrested and imprisoned.

Claudius took a liking to this prisoner -- until Valentine made a strategic error: he tried to convert the Emperor -- whereupon this priest was condemned to death.

He was beaten with clubs and stoned; when that didn't do it, he was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate [circa 269].

One legend says, while awaiting his execution, Valentine restored the sight of his jailer's blind daughter.

Another legend says, on the eve of his death, he penned a farewell note to the jailer's daughter, signing it, "From your Valentine."

St. Valentine is the Patron Saint of affianced couples, bee keepers, epilepsy, fainting, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, plague, travelers, young people.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

So wait a sec, they fell in love FOR 3 hours, or they fell in love AFTER about 3 hours of waiting around? Since we all know that 3 hours is far too short a time to really know someone thru and thru, it was clearly not love, it was merely infatuation. You know, two people thrown together, danger and death await, stress is high, passion overwhelms you. That's not love, its just a temporary crush.

Also, to be fair, St. Valentine was never actually eaten by lions in the arena. The very brief written reference to St Valentine has him refusing to deny Christ before the "Emperor Claudius" in the year 280 before his head was cut off.

Neat story though...

Answer 3

Excellent question. You're right: most people celebrate holidays without any knowledge of where it came from or its purpose. I think such disconnections and lack of education leads people to torque and twist it according to their own fancies, which can take any form imaginable. Take St. Patrick's day. When I was growing up, all I knew that we were supposed to wear something green to avoid getting pinched, and people partied and drank green beer. It wasn't until later in life that I learned it is actually a holiday to honor St. Patrick of Ireland, a Catholic bishop who brought Christianity to the Irish. The traditional Irish-Catholics who know their history don't celebrate the holiday by getting drunk; they honor their patron saint by going to Mass. I think the same thing is happening with Christmas, but in a more violent way. Non-Christian groups are intentionally trying to strip Christ's birthday of its historical and religious meanings, trying to turn it into a generic holiday "for all". It's disgusting, foolish, and needs to stop. I think more people should learn about the roots of their faith and the various holidays associated with it, so that proper reverence and respect is restored, and people know where they came from. God bless.

Answer 4

Yes, many don't know that February 14 was a day of remembrance for the Saint. Is a religious holiday that used to be celebrated before Vatican II. There are some Catholics that celebrate it and some parishes that still observed this holiday. This 'love' holiday was for a Catholic Saint. Many people don't know they are celebrating a Catholic holiday. That's what Valentine's Day is-an outdated Catholic holiday.

Answer 5

The church made today St Valentine's day to compete with the Roman lupercalia. The lupercalia was a shitload of fun, by the sound of it... kind of like a swinging party for the whole city.

Answer 6

THIS GUY IS WRONG. St. Valentine WAS a martyr, but he was a priest, and didn't fall in love with anyone- he married young couples in secret when it was against the law to have Catholic weddings. THAT"S where valentine's day comes from.

Answer 7

I heard that St. Valentine was martyred for Christ. So, I believe he is in heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ with great rewards.

No, he & she didn't die in vain. Love is everlasting. If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Whatever, we are forever with the Lord.

Answer 8

Valentines day was originally Pagan, and its even more ironic that it celebrates the death of a christian- martyrs my butt, i bet the guy went to hell for his so called superior beliefs.

Answer 9

wow