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The forgotten history of Saint Valentine

The forgotten history of Saint Valentine

Mary Hierholzer

Anyone who grew up in a Christian home or a Christian school probably remembers watching that cheesy movie about Saint Valentine. It was a short, low-budget religious movie, and as kids, it was prime material for passing notes in class and making fun of bad acting. Unfortunately, "The First Valentine" didn't leave much of an impression on me, but Saint Valentine, himself, is worth further examination.

Though hagiographical accounts vary, the most reliable sources point toward a third-century AD martyr who was probably a bishop in Umbria. The story tells of a miracle when Valentine healed the blind daughter of a Roman official. Though he gained the official's favor, Valentine was still tortured for his faith and executed on Feb. 14. Interestingly, the site of his death may have taken place not far from the very site of Constantine's victorious battle at Milvian Bridge following his conversion in 312.

Wildlife, people increasingly intersect as territories overlap
Massachusetts

Wildlife, people increasingly intersect as territories overlap

Beth Treffeisen

BOSTON – With spring in the air – for now, at least – many animals in the wild, including black bears, are getting ready to emerge from their lairs in search of food both for themselves and their newborn broods.

Massachusetts is the third most densely populated state in the country, with roughly 6.7 million people inhabiting about 5 million acres. Despite the crowds, the state's black bear population has been increasing in both numbers and distribution over the past 35 years.

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