Feb. 14, 270 AD was the date that St. Valentine, a holy Roman priest, was martyred.   Not much is known about him except that he lived during the persecution under Emperor Claudius II. He was caught marrying Christian couples and aiding any Christians who were being persecuted under Claudius. When he was brought before the prefect of Rome and refused to renounce his faith, he was beaten with clubs and then beheaded.  The Catholic Church recognizes 14 saints named St. Valentine.  But the feast day on Feb. 14 is that of St. Valentine, the holy Roman, martyred priest. Source: Catholic Online