During the last weeks of Valentinus' life, a quite remarkable thing happened. The jailer asked if it would be possible for him to bring his daughter, Julia, for lessons for teaching. Julia had been blind since birth and was a beautiful girl with a quick mind. Valentinus read to her stories of Rome's history... he describe her about God. She, for the first time, began to see the world through his eyes, trusted in his wisdom, and found a special comfort in his quiet strength.

"Valentinus, does God hear our prayers?" Julia asked one day.

"Yes, my child, he hears each one." he replied.

"Do you know what I pray for every morning and every night? I pray that I might be able to see. I want so much to see everything you've told me about!"

"God does what is best for us if we will only believe in Him," Valentinus said.

"Oh, Valentine, I do believe," Julia said intensely."I do!" She then knelt and grasped his hand.

They sat quietly, she kneeling, he sitting, each praying for a miracle to happen. Suddenly there was a brilliant light in the prison cell! Radiant, Julia screamed, "Valentinus, I can see! I can see!"

On the eve of his death, Valentinus wrote a last note to Julia, urging her to continue her learning and encouraging her to stay close to God. he signed it, "From Your Valentine!"

His death sentenced was carried out the next day, February 14, 270. He was buried at what is now the Church of Praxedes in Rome. Legend tells us that Julia herself planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave. Today, the almond tree remains the symbol of abiding love and friendship. On the anniversary of his death, February 14, St. Valentine's day, messages of affection, love and devotion are exchanged.

And now these three remains: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13)

- Taken from 365 Moments to Cherished by Robert Strand for public information purpose only.