St. Valentine was a holy priest of Rome who was martyred under the Emperor Aurelian in 270. He co-operated in the Saviour's Redemption "by bearing the cross after Him" (Gospel). "Having made the sacrifice of his life for Him, he finds it again" (Ibid.), for, "victorious in his terrible fight" (Epistle), God "crowns him in heaven with glory and honour" (Offertory).Sharing in a spirit of penitence the redeeming sufferings of the Saviour, let us ask Him "through the intercession of St. Valentine, to be delivered from all the ills that threaten us" (Collect).
In virtute tua, Domine laetabitur justus: et super salutare tuum exsultabit vehementer: desiderium animae ejus tribuisti ei. * Quoniam praevenisti eum in bendictionibus dulcedinis: posuisti in capite ejus coronam de lapide pretioso.
In Thy strength, O Lord, the just man shall joy and in Thy salvation he shall rejoice exceedingly: Thou hast given him his heart's desire. For Thou hast prevented him with blessing of sweetness: Thou hast set on his head a crown of precious stones.
(Psalm 20:2-3,4 from the Introit of Mass)
Praesta, quaesumus, omnipotens Deus: ut, qui beati Valentini Martyris tui natalitia colimus, a cunctis malis imminentibus, ejus intercessione, liberemur.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that we who keep the festival of Thy holy martyr Valentine, may be delivered by his intercession from all dangers that threaten us.
From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15254a.htm
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