39. Valentine was a priest who was illegally practicing his faith in Rome in the 3rd century
The original Saint Valentine lived in Rome in the 3rd century. He was a priest and ministered to the city’s Christians. Since Rome didn’t convert to Christianity until the rule of Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, Valentine’s acts of faith were illegal. Before long, he was arrested and sentenced to death. He was martyred and buried just outside of the center of Rome on 14 February. However, it wasn’t until the year 496 that the Feast of Saint Valentine’s Day was officially observed – and it’s been observed on the day of his martyrdom ever since.