Valentine Print

Perfect gift for a Catholic Sweetheart!
Put the Saint back into Valentine's Day! 

St. Valentine lived in a very permissive, pagan society. Not only was it hostile to Christians, it was hostile to marriage. The Roman Emperor Claudius II had declared marriage illegal for his soldiers, as the Emperor Augustus had done previously. Some even say that he declared it illegal for all. In any event, Valentinus, a Roman doctor and Catholic priest, upheld the Christian tradition that marriage is a very sacred bond between only one man and one woman, and he continued to marry couples secretly after Claudius’s edict.

Valentinus, known to us as Valentine, was arrested. While in jail, the legend goes, he sent letters to Julia, the jailer’s daughter, telling her of the love of God. It is said he wrote on the petals of flowers, patiently bruising them with a pin to make small, careful letters. He would sign them, “Your Valentine.”

He was killed February 14, 270 A.D. He could have had his life spared if he would have renounced his Christian faith and made an offering to the cult of the Emperor, but he refused. It is said that Julia herself planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave.

Because of his faithfulness and his teaching on love, people began to speak of any message one sent to a loved one as a “Valentine,” even to this day. Valentine is the patron saint of romantic love, engaged couples, and marriages. Surprisingly, he is also invoked for beekeeping, epilepsy, the plague, fainting, and traveling!                                                          (source: History.com) 

Besides the 8.5x11" size, we're also offering this one in a 5x7". We think it looks very dear and adorable in that smaller size, and we think your sweetheart will feel the same way. 

Important!!! Paper size is larger than the image size!!! There is a white border around the image! (1/2" for the 5x7, 1.3" for the 8.5x11)

Printed on acid-free archival paper, with pigments designed to last for generations years when not hung in direct sunlight. 

We think it would look charming in a red frame, especially with a mate finish.

All our prints are a standard size, so you have lots of good choices of frames at your local Hobby Lobby or online. Please contact us if you want us to frame it for you.  

Thanks for your interest!

Text and Image Alterations ©  Sue Kouma Johnson

You might also be interested in original Catholic art and jewelry by me, Sue Kouma Johnson, available all over this shop! Thanks!