The story of Valentine’s Day

The story goes that Valentinus was a humble Christian Martyr who remained firm in his Christian beliefs, even at the expense of his own liberty, as he lived in a time when Emperor Claudius II (270 A.D.) made it punishable for Romans to associate with Christians. During his life in prison, he showed his jailer’s daughter, a pretty blind girl named Julia, the unknown world through his own eyes, wisdom, and peaceful strength. Valentinus read stories of Rome’s history to her. He described the world of nature to her. He taught her arithmetic and told her about God.

Thanks to Valentinus, the blind young lady learnt to believe that God does what is best for those who believe, and thus her faith that she could one day see was strengthened. Suddenly, one day during their praying, a bright light lit up the cell and she miraculously gained a sense of sight! She began to see the world through her own eyes.

On the eve of his death, Valentinus wrote a last note to Julia, urging her to stay close to God. He signed it, “From your Valentine.” The next day, February 14, his letter was carried out to her. Messages of affection, love, and devotion are exchanged around the world on this day ever since.

This parable is to be understood in the context of dedication and unconditional love.  No one is able to bring us back the physical sense of sight; yet it is quite likely that we will manage to see new light by helping each other and practicing the art of empathy. Who hasn’t felt awakened or like the world has a new meaning after fully devoting energy to someone or something? Valentinus showed Julia the world through his own understanding of life and hence she was enriched. Likewise, a child is enriched through their parents’ view of life; and lovers get enriched by opening their hearts.

At the Australian Academy of Commerce and Cambridge College International we uphold passion and dedication as lofty values in these times of spiritual insecurity and high-paced experiences. We encourage our students to embrace life and follow their interests; and in return we commit to enriching them with a high standard of education and ensuring their journey with us stays in their hearts for the rest of their lives.