Do you know the origins of this romantic holiday? Here is a fun fact I’d bet you don’t hear too often. A third-century Roman emperor, Claudius, encouraged polygamy and banned marriage because husbands and fathers in a committed relationship were reluctant to go to war.
Despite all that, one Roman priest, a.k.a. St. Valentine—a fervent believer in a sacred marriage between one man and one woman—continued to wed young people in secrecy. After being caught, he was condemned to death for his beliefs.
A relic of St. Valentine can be found at the Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland, where couples get their wedding rings blessed beneath his shrine.
(Art: Tracy L. Christianson)
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