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Lupercalia was a sinful day that honored the mythological Juno Februala, goddess of "feverish" (febris) love, and Pan during the ides of February (usually February 15th) where love notes and inappropriate behavior was a part of the "celebration". In short, this day was geared around fertility.
Understandably, early Christians that had just come out of the bondage of humanism offered an alternative — to honor and emulate God-fearing men and women — saints from earlier times — on this day. Gradually, the other saints were replaced by Saint Valentine.
There are at least three possible contenders for Saint Valentine, all of them were martyrs for the Faith on 14 February. One was a priest in Rome and another was the Bishop of Intermna (now Terni) — both are buried on the Flaminian Way. The third Saint Valentine was martyred in Africa, but very little is known of him.
Valentine was a physician that not only prayed for his patients but led others in prayer. During the reign of the tyrant Claudius II Gothicus, Valentine was imprisoned for being a Christian. While in prison, the Warden's blind daughter visited Valentine where he taught her Scripture, Christian doctrine, geography and other subjects. The oppressor Claudius II continued with his plan and Valentine was martyred for the Faith on 14 Feb 270 AD. Prior to his murder, Valentine jotted a farewell note to the jailer's daughter signed, "Your Valentine" enclosing a crocus. On the day that Valentine was murdered it is said that the blind girl received her sight miraculously and, for the first time, was able to behold the beautiful flower in all its created color. (The crocus has been traditionally associated with Valentine's Day.)
In 496 Pope Gelasius I officially put St. Valentine's Day on the liturigal calendar.
Calendar of Christian Historical Biographies lists the saints (from times gone by) their feast days, biographies and more.
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