Though his day has become synonymous with chocolate hearts, flowers, and romantic gestures, Valentine’s life was anything but a bed of roses. An Italian clergyman who found himself in the crosshairs of the Roman Empire, Valentine preached love in a time when hate was powerful. His impact, and his legend, has only grown. In this segment of The Holy Behind the Holiday, a series of articles looking at the Christian roots of some of our most popular holidays, author Caleb Mathis unveils the life of Saint Valentine—and how his story can impact how we live today. 

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