Julia was a pretty young girl with a quick mind. Valentinus read stories of Rome's history to her. He taught her arithmetic and told her about God. She saw the world through his eyes, trusted in his wisdom, and found comfort in his quiet strength. "Valentinus, does God really hear our prayers?" Julia said one day. "Yes, my child, He hears each one," he replied. Do you know what I pray for every morning and every night? I pray that I might see. I want so much to see everything you've told me about!" "God does what is best for us if we will only believe in Him" Valentinus said. "Oh, Valentinus, I do believe," Julia said intensely.” I, do." She knelt and grasped his hand. They sat quietly together, each praying. Suddenly there was a brilliant light in the prison cell. Radiant, Julia screamed, "Valentinus, I can see! I can see!" "Praise be to God'." Valentinus exclaimed, and he knelt in prayer.
On the eve of his death, Valentinus wrote a last note to Julia, urging her to stay close to God, and he signed it "From Your Valentine." His sentence was carried out the next day, February 14, 270 A.D., near a gate that was later named Porta Valentini in his memory. He was buried at what is now the Church of Praxedes in Rome. It is said that Julia herself planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave. Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship. On each February 14,
St. Valentine's Day, messages of affection, love, and devotion are exchanged around the world.