LOS ANGELES — Father Paul of St. Timothy's Catholic Church in Los Angeles is spending time in church reflecting on the history and significance of Valentine’s Day.

Originally a Christian holiday, Father Paul says Saint Valentine died for his faith during a time of religious persecution under the Roman Empire. 

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“There’s a historical basis for one or possibly two Valentines that had the same name and were both martyred in the third century,” Father Paul explained.

He says ancient readings indicate that it was Saint Valentine’s spirit of sacrificial love, dying for what he believed in, that sparked the tradition of passion for your beliefs, and passion for your loved ones.

“Before he was put to death, he wrote notes to others that were in prison, and that were awaiting death for their faith in Jesus. And so, the tradition began by sending notes to other prisoners that were awaiting persecution. And in this day and age we continue to send notes,” Father Paul said.

Lifting up a Valentine’s Day prayer, Father Paul says sending love notes is a beautiful way to keep the tradition alive, but he especially encourages his congregation to reflect on self love this year.

“Valentine’s Day for ourselves if you will. To love and accept ourselves. I find as a priest a lot of times people feel like they can’t forgive themselves. Well let’s be serious, who is perfect? That’s how we learn and grow,” he said.

The main growth he wants to see is for both the Catholic Church, and the global community overall, to uphold love on a universal level.

“We all celebrate in one way or another the importance of loving, and Valentine’s Day is an important reminder of that,” Father Paul said.

His ultimate message to those celebrating:

Love — it never fails.