While Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular saint days in our culture, very little is known about the man Valentine, and the legends may be a conflation of two different people.
He is said to have been a faithful bishop in Terni, Italy, when Christianity was still illegal. Despite the danger, Valentine passionately shared the gospel and aided persecuted Christians. Supposedly, he also officiated a number of Christian marriages during a time when many young men who were drafted into the military were prohibited from marrying. He may also have been a physician. At forty-six, he was arrested by Emperor Claudius and spent some time in prison before being martyred.
One durable legend indicates he became friends with his jailer, Asterius, and his jailer’s blind daughter, Julia. Shortly before he was martyred, he sent a farewell daughter to Julia to thank her for her friendship and encourage her walk with the Lord. He signed it, “From your Valentine.” As the story goes, Julia miraculously regained her sight upon opening this note!
Valentine’s Day as we know it was more than likely (unintentionally) invented by the poet Geoffrey Chaucer in the fourteenth century. In “Parlement of Foules,” he writes that Saint Valentine’s Day is the annual day on which birds (the “foules”) choose their mate. With the popularity of this work also came the popularity of Valentine’s Day as a celebration of romance.
The practice of exchanging valentines is done in remembrance of Saint Valentine’s faithfulness, courage, and love for others. Take time to write a few notes of kindness to the people you love, and enjoy making valentines with your children. A great passage to read today is 1 Corinthians 13:1-8.
Dessert Crepes
Yield: 8 crepes
Ingredients
Crepes:
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1⅓ cups milk
2 T. butter, melted
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 T. powdered sugar
½ tsp. salt
Oil or butter for pan
Filling Ideas:
Strawberries
Bananas
Nutella
Butter and cinnamon sugar
Whipped cream
Lemon curd and blueberries
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together all the crepe ingredients until smooth.
- Heat a medium-sized skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Use a brush or paper towel to grease the pan with a small amount of butter or oil. Using a serving spoon or small ladle, spoon about 3 tablespoons of crepe batter into the hot pan, tilting the pan so the bottom surface is evenly coated. Cook 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Serve immediately with your favorite fillings.
Note: If you want to make savory crepes, leave the sugar out of this recipe and fill the crepes with your favorite savory item. Suggestions to try: ham, eggs, and cheese; smoked salmon and cream cheese; basil, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella; turkey and pesto.
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Make Jesus the Center of Your Family’s Year
Sacred Seasons, by Danielle Hitchen, features time-honored traditions of the liturgical calendar to guide Christians through a year-long meditation on the life of Christ. Part theology, part church history, and part practical spirituality, it provides an easy-to-use guide to observing the liturgical year complete with fun activities, delicious recipes, and meaningful liturgies.
Grow your family’s faith in tangible ways as you experience the meaning and joy of each sacred season together. Learn more about the book and how to purchase here.
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