Saint Valentine's Story
2000 years ago, the most powerful army in the world belonged to the
Romans. The Romans were strong and had conquered almost all of Europe, and
parts of Asia and Africa. But they had been away from home for many years
(service lasted 25 years!) and life in the army was harsh. Many of the soldiers
longed for the comforts of home. They wanted to marry and set up families. The
Emperor, whose name was Claudius the Second, was worried and so he made a law
that no soldier was allowed to marry.By that time, many of the Romans were
Christians. And one of their leaders was a Bishop called Valentine. He believed
that if a man and woman fell in love with each other, they should get married
-- and so he decided to let soldiers get married in his church, even though it was
now against the law. The soldiers' weddings were meant to be secret, but as you
know, all secrets are hard to keep, and soon the word got out. Valentine was
arrested and brought before the emperor who demanded that he stop helping
soldiers to marry, and instead that he pray to the gods of Rome. When he
refused, the emperor sentenced him to death.While Valentine was in prison, the
jailer's daughter, who was blind, used to bring him his food. She and Valentine
used to spend long hours talking to each other, and they fell in love. One day,
Valentine put his hand through the bars of his cell and touched the lids of her
closed eyes. When she opened them again, she could see. It was a
miracle.Valentine's execution was set for February the 14th. On his last night
on earth, he wrote his final message to the girl. He signed his love letter,
"From Your Valentine". This took place in the year 270, and ever
since, lovers have sent each other messages on February the 14th with the same
signature.
1. The Romans conquered 200 years ago
a) Europe, Asia and
Africa
b) All over the world.
c) Part of Europe and
parts of Asia and Africa
2. Romans soldiers* were out of home for:
a) More than 25 years
b) 25 years
c) less than 25 years*
3. The name of the emperor was:
a) Christian
b) Valentine
c) Claudius the Second
4. The name of the Bishop * was:
a) Christian
b) Valentine
c) Claudius the Second
5. Valentine was in prison because:
a) He doesn’t follow
the instructions of the Emperor
b) He marries a woman
c) He didn’t want to be
a soldier*
6. In prison (jail), Valentines:
a) Receives the visit
of the jailer*
B) Receives the visit
of the jailer’s daughter
c) Receives the visit
of the Emperor
7. The miracle was:
a) The soldiers married
b) The girl was blind
and she could see
c) Valentine was free
