3rd century
Hieromartyr Valentine, Presbyter of Rome
A presbyter of Rome who, according to tradition, was martyred in the 3rd century; the bishop Valentine of Terni is commemorated on the same day.
Biography
Valentine was a priest in Rome in the 3rd century, secretly ministering to persecuted Christians. According to a widespread legend, he was placed under house arrest by the judge Asterius and, while discussing the faith with him, healed the judge's blind adopted daughter through prayer; the miracle led Asterius and his entire household to be baptised.
Valentine was eventually arrested and martyred in Rome, where he was buried on the Via Flaminia. The same day, 14 February, also commemorates the like-named bishop of Terni, who was likewise martyred in Rome; because the sources are unclear, some scholars think the two accounts may refer to a single person.