VALENTINE, SAINT

died 3rd century, Rome; feast day February 14 name of two legendary martyrs whose lives seem to be historically based. One was a Roman priest and physician who suffered martyrdom during the persecution of Christians by the emperor Claudius II Gothicus and was buried on the Via Flaminia. Pope St. Julius I reportedly built a basilica over his grave. The other, bishop of Terni, Italy, was martyred, apparently also in Rome, and his relics were later taken to Terni. It is possible these are different versions of the same original account and refer to only one person. St. Valentine's Day as a lovers' festival dates at least from the 14th century. The modern tradition of sending valentine cards has no relation to the saints.