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During the persecution under Emperor Claudius II, Valentine, a zealous priest in Rome, ministered boldly to the martyr. He was arrested and taken before the prefect, who made tempting offers to induce him to apostatize. Finding that he was wasting his breath, the prefect condemned Valentine to death. The beheading took place on February 14, about the year 270. The true follower of Christ ignores worldly caution when he is called upon to bear witness to Jesus. "The inclination of the flesh is death, but the inclination of the spirit, life and peace" (Rom. 8:6)
COLLECT
O Almighty God, today we are celebrating the birthday of Your blessed Martyr Valentine. Hear his prayers and rescue us from all the dangers that threaten us. Through Our Lord . . .
SECRET
O Lord, graciously accept the gifts we offer You, and let them help us in our salvation through the merits of Your blessed Martyr Valentine. Through Our Lord . . .
POSTCOMMUNION
May this heavenly Sacrament bring us health of soul and body, O Lord, and may the intercession of the blessed Martyr Valentine make us feel the power of the Sacred Rite which we have celebrated. Through Our Lord . . .