Recently, while traversing the aisles of my local Target, I found myself nearly drowning in the red sea of assorted teddy bears, flowers, chocolates, and fatigued Target sales associates. Like Moses though, I split through the waters by politely saying excuse me and performing an awkward penguin-like shuffle by. As I finally made it to the aisle that contained Draino, the purpose of my shopping trip, I thought to myself that there must be much more to Valentine’s Day than modern American consumerism. My intuition was right. 

Throughout history, we can see instances where legends develop from real facts. JRR Tolkien expresses this when he states, “There came a time when things which should not have been forgotten were forgotten, and when history became legend, and legend became myth.” The various myths behind Valentine’s Day and the associated saint serve as an embodiment of this expression. In European culture, St. Valentine is actually a composite of two separate third-century martyrs of the same name who were supposedly executed on February 14. One saint is a Roman priest who was decapitated at the time of Emperor Claudio II, on the Via Flaminia in Rome, in 270. The other saint is the Bishop of Terni, consecrated by San Felicano of Foligno and beheaded in Rome around the same time. The following are legends most likely associated with the life of Valentine De Terni (Bishop of Terni). 

At the time, circa 260 AD, Roman Emperor Caludias II Gothicus forbade Roman soldiers from the act of marriage. He believed that wedlock would hinder their capabilities and lack of mercy while in battle. In rebellion, a Catholic priest, later known as St. Valentine, conducted wedding ceremonies in secret. Claudias II learned of this and subsequently arrested and imprisoned Valentine, placing him under the vigilance of Asterius, a Roman nobleman and director of the confine. Over the course of Valentine’s imprisonment, he and Asterius engaged in intense debate over his faith in Jesus Christ versus that of the Roman gods.  

One day, challenging the alleged healing powers of Valentine, Asterius brought forth his daughter, Julia, who was born blind, requesting that he heal her. Valentine placed his hands over her eyes, prayed to God, and the girl’s vision returned. In the face of this miracle, Asterius converted to Christianity alongside 46 members of his family. Being further compelled by the act of grace shown to him by Valentine through the power of Jesus Christ, he also freed all Christians who were confined in his prison. Once learning of these events, Emperor Claudius condemned Valentine and Asterius to death by beheading. It’s believed this execution took place on February 14. It’s also alleged that Valentine actually sent the first “valentine letter.” Sometime before his execution, Valentine wrote a letter signed “from your Valentine” to Asterius’ daughter, Julia, whom he ended up falling in love with.

February 14th, Valentine’s Day: A day that is anticipated by some, disparaged by others, and disregarded by most. Being freshly acquainted with the life of St. Valentine, I feel as though my heart has grown fonder for this day of love and now anticipate it with joy. However, in the midst of this blissful feeling, another question occurred to me. Is love possible during law school? Similar to how Jacob wrestled throughout the night with an angel, I found myself also grappling with this thought on the possibility of love. Thankfully, for my struggle, I’ve been blessed with clarity to see the answer to my question, and the answer is yes, of course, love is possible in law school. 

With my renewed vision, I’ve been able to see the materialization of love in the life of others. So, in honor of love, and to celebrate the legend of St. Valentine, I’d like to introduce you to two BC Legal Eagles who have confirmed their love through engagements recently: 3L Justin Green & 3L Francis Lubega. One may find it fitting to call the two and their partners love birds. 

To gain some insight into how they made their relationships thrive, I asked both students for some general advice they may have to share:

“The best advice I can offer is to make your partner your sanctuary, not your sounding board. While it’s tempting to vent about every legal nuance, remember to preserve a space in your relationship where the law doesn’t exist. Be present. When you are with them, be all there—law school has enough of your mind; don’t let it take your heart, too.”

“Friendship is the foundation of every lasting relationship. The trust and bond you build at that foundational level ensure that your partner sees your values reflected every day, in every shape and form. When respect and trust serve as the pillars holding you together, nothing can shake what you’ve established. Even new challenges, like starting law school, feel more manageable because your relationship is grounded, steady, and secure. You’re solid in who you are together, and you always know where home truly is.” 

In essence, despite not facing the same pressures of a Roman soldier, like a violent death in battle, law students must overcome classes, job hunting/OCI, and bills; which might as well also feel like death sometimes. Underlying all of this is the fact that love transcends time and circumstance. Love was possible in the past, during the Ancient Roman period, and it is still possible now, in 2026. For those reading this in the years to come, be confident that love is also possible for you in the future. Happy Valentine’s Day!

---

Staniel Brutis is a third-year student at BC Law. Contact him at brutis@bc.edu.