Under the rule of Claudius the Cruel, Rome was involved in many wars. The emperor had to maintain a strong army, but was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military campaign. He believed that Roman men were unwilling to join the army because of their strong attachment to their wives and families. To get rid of the problem, he banned all marriages and engagements in Rome. 

Valentine, Bishop of Interamna (modern Terni, Italy), realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When his actions were discovered, Valentine, whose name derives from the Latin "valens" which means worthy, strong, or powerful, was was imprisoned, beaten with clubs and stones, and beheaded on the outskirts of Rome on February 14, 270. In prison, Valentine prayed for Julia, the blind daughter of Asterius, his jailer, resulting in her healing, the conversion of the jailer and many others. As his final act, He wrote a farewell note to encourage Julia to stay close to Jesus and to thank her for being his friend. He signed the note: “From your Valentine". 
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Pope Gelasius decreed his commemoration as martyr two centuries later. Besides engaged couples and happy marriages, Saint Valentine is also the patron saint of beekeepers—charged with ensuring the sweetness of honey and the protection of beekeepers.

Happy Valentines, everyone!

Saint Blaise of Sebaste was a physician and an Armenian bishop. He was venerated as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. People turn to him for treatment of objects caught in the throat after he miraculously cured a boy choking to death on a fish bone. He was martyred for the Catholic faith in 316. 

If you are a singer, motivational speaker, catechist, teacher, trainer, call center agent, salesman, radio announcer, news caster, barker, etc. who puts great demands on your voice, attend Holy Mass on St. Blaise's feast in your parish today, February 3rd and have your throat blessed!

Through the intercession of Saint Blase, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every ailments of the throat and from every other evil. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.