The story of St. Valentine has zero to do with schmaltzy flowers and candy. It has nothing in common with romance as we know it. But Valentine's story is spiritually romantic. Valentinius was a Roman Christian priest. In those days, this was not popular. In fact, it was illegal.Then Emperor Claudius II decided he'd make marriage illegal too--so men would give up women go fight his battles. Not exactly an even quid pro quo. Valentine understood human nature better and performed underground marriages to keep people from burning in lust. And was jailed for his pains.
He wrote notes of encouragement to his fellow incarcerated and signed them "Your Valentine." There grew the card-sending tradition. Valentine was martyred on Feb. 14. It became a Holy Day -- holiday.
Predictably, we now ignore the spiritual bits of the story for the commercial. True, it's based on legend, but most stories of antiquity are oral tradition. I like it better than flowers and candy. If you do too, here are Catholic St. Valentine activities and lessons. I don't get anything from sharing these sites except a warm, fuzzy feeling.
www.catholicinspired.com/2013/01/saint-valentines-day-printables-and.html
catholicicing.com/printable-saint-valentines/
www.abcteach.com/free/r/rc_valentine_legend.pdf
busyteacher.org/classroom_activities-vocabulary/holidays_and_celebrations/saint_valentines_day-worksheets/(this one has Valentine kitsch but also some history-based activities)
I'll end as our saint wrote in his valentines. "Be of good cheer. Don't lose hope. Your Valentine Mar." (Very loosely translated from the Latin).
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