On the day when many people celebrate love and romance with each other, the Diocese of Buffalo spread the message of love of all mankind and blessed St. Valentine.

“Happy Valentine’s Day! May your life be filled with the blessings of love," Diocese of Buffalo posted on Facebook. "On this day we commemorate the feast of St. Valentine, a 3rd century priest who helped Christians who were persecuted for the faith. He is the patron saint of love, happy marriages, and epilepsy."

Valentine’s Day is also the fitting culmination of National Marriage Week this year. The weeklong celebration encompassed World Marriage Day, which was marked Sunday. The whole week provides “an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family,” the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said. This year’s theme was “Called to the Joy of Love.”  

Valentine’s Day itself is a tribute to St. Valentine of Rome. Although there is some disagreement about the accuracy of some accounts of Valentine’s life, it is agreed that he died around the year 270 and he is the patron saint of engaged couples and happy marriages, an article on history.com says. 

Valentine’s Day began to be celebrated as a lovers’ festival by the 14th century, according to britannica.com.