For centuries, February 14 has been synonymous with love and affection, largely thanks to St. Valentine, a 3rd-century martyr whose life and deeds are celebrated worldwide. EWTN correspondent Colm Flynn journeys to Terni, Italy, exploring how this small city honors its patron saint and the essence of love he represents.

Pope Francis, in his apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia, calls on couples to look beyond the commercialization of Valentine’s Day, urging them to grasp the true essence of romantic love and the life of St. Valentine. Terni, nestled in the heart of Umbria, comes alive with festivities, drawing couples from across Italy and Europe to celebrate their love under the patronage of St. Valentine.

St. Valentine, the bishop of Terni, is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to Christian marriage, even in the face of Emperor Claudius II’s ban. His dedication led to his imprisonment and eventual martyrdom, but his legacy as a defender of love endures. Art historian Giuseppe Cassio explains how Valentine’s martyrdom transformed a pagan holiday into a celebration of Christian love, intertwining with the season’s natural awakening.

The highlight for many visiting couples is the special blessing at the Basilica of St. Valentine, a tradition rooted in the saint’s own acts of blessing Christian unions. Fr. Johnson Perumittah George, OCD, rector of the Basilica, emphasizes the historical significance of these blessings, rooted in Valentine’s support for a Christian woman and a pagan soldier’s love.

Couples like Olga and Federico seek the blessing for serenity and confidence in their commitment, while Massimiliano dreams of peace and love. The common thread among these couples is a deep understanding of love’s enduring power, a sentiment echoed by Monsignor Francesco Antonio Soddu, Bishop of Terni-Narni-Amelia. He stresses that Valentine’s Day embodies the selfless love and sacrifice at the heart of Christian doctrine.

As Terni continues to celebrate St. Valentine’s legacy, it offers a poignant reminder of love’s true meaning: a divine gift transcending mere emotion, embodying sacrifice, commitment, and a deep understanding of the other. For those blessed in Terni, St. Valentine’s story is not just history but a living testament to love’s transformative power.

This article was updated on the 14th of February of 2024.