St. Valentine, martyr

We recall today the fidelity of St. Valentine, martyr from the third century, who refused to succumb to his enemies' temptations to renounce Christ; and who remained steadfast also when they beat him; and right up until they beheaded him.

And so there arose in England, from about the time of Chaucer, the custom of announcing betrothals on St. Valentine's Day, and of calling one's betrothed "Valentine," in token of the faithfulness unto death shown by this patron of all who plight to one another their troth.