Claudius II (reigned 268–270 A.D.) banned marriage for young men, believing unmarried men made better, more focused soldiers. He thought attachments to wives and families weakened their dedication to the army. Valentine, a Catholic priest, defied this and secretly married couples.
Valentine defied the Empire because he followed the laws of God, not of men. He married couples in secret by candlelight in the catacombs. He knew that the State does not own the Family.
He was beaten with clubs and beheaded on February 14, 269 AD. He died protecting the sacrament of Matrimony.
This sacrament is under attack today from all sides, now more than ever. Sister Lucia said: "The final battle between Christ and Satan will be over marriage and the family." So instead of celebrating a secular Valentine's day, celebrate the life of this great saint who was martyred for his love of God.
You can find the Shrine of Saint Valentine here in Dublin, Ireland
Note: In 1969, during the revision of the liturgical calendar after Vatican II, the memorial of St Valentine was removed from the universal calendar because historical details about him are limited and somewhat uncertain.
However: He is still recognized as a saint. He remains in the Roman Martyrology. He can still be celebrated in particular calendars (local dioceses, religious communities, or where he is patron).
On February 14, the universal Church now primarily celebrates the memorial of Saints Cyril and Methodius.