EVERY February 14, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate St. Valentines Day?

The first legend, and perhaps the best known, began in Rome, when the Emperor, Claudius II, was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. 'Claudius the Cruel', as he was called, was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues.

He believed the reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. So, he cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome.

The good St. Valentine, who was a priest in Rome in the year 269 A.D., together with his friend St. Marius, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret....