Reportedly imprisoned for these infractions, he was placed under house arrest, at which time he engaged his jailer in a discussion about Jesus. Word of his claims reached the Judge, who told him that if the bishop would heal his blind daughter he would be granted whatever he desired. The judge's daughter received her sight, and good to his word, he arranged for the requested release of all his Christian captives. St. Valentine's continued service to the gospel of Christ landed him in jail once again. This time he was taken before the Emperor Claudius. Though Claudius is said to have enjoyed his company, Valentine overstepped his bounds when he attempted to lead the Roman ruler to Christ. His execution was decreed, and he was beaten with clubs and then beheaded.
After his death, the Church instituted the Feast of Saint Valentine, which they celebrate in July. The connection between St. Valentine and the holiday of lovers seems to emerge in the 14th century, alluded to in the works of Geoffrey Chaucer and Otto de Granson. It is difficult to tell, without more research, whether it was St. Valentine's custom of marrying young folks or whether it was his fondness for the amethyst jewelry, which became known in the Middle Ages as the stone of earthly happiness, that linked St. Valentine with lovers. Either way, his holiday is now the most celebrated for romance. Incidentally, according to Medieval custom, when a lady presented an amethyst heart set in silver to her knight or her husband, it was believed to ensure good fortune and the greatest possible happiness for the couple {cited}.
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