Valentinus was a Third Century Roman priest—possibly a bishop—who ministered to the persecuted Christians of Rome. He was arrested by Roman Emperor, Claudius II, who came to like the charming priest. However, when Valentinus pressed the emperor to become a Christian, Claudius laid-down an ultimatum: either Valentinus would renounce Christ or he would be beaten and beheaded. Valentinus met his martyrdom around the year 270—on the Via Flaminia. His relics were kept in the Church and Catacombs of San Valentino in Rome which became a popular Medieval pilgrimage destination. In the 13th Century, he was moved to Santa Prassede, then to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. More of his relics can be found in Madrid, Dublin, Prague, Lesbos, as well as in Slovakia and Poland. Saint Valentine was canonized in 496, however, (in recent years) theologians have raised questions about Valentine's precise identity and history. Some believe that the Saint Valentine we think of today may be a "composite" of several men's histories. Therefore, his feast day is not celebrated (for now) as a holy feast in the Church's official liturgical calendar. Nevertheless, Saint Valentine remains a saint—and the romantic patron of courtly love, epileptics and beekeepers.
The pewter heart, shown above, could be a loving remembrance given to your special sweetheart. It was cast in California and is mounted as a key fob. Click on the photo above to learn more about this handsome piece.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.