Episode 248: Anthony DeStefano on his book Your Valentine (February 11, 2026)

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Anthony DeStefano on his book Your Valentine.Long before greeting cards, chocolates, and candy hearts, there was a man named Valentine — a brave bishop in ancient Rome who risked everything for love. When Christians were persecuted and marriage outlawed, Valentine secretly united couples in holy matrimony. For this, he was thrown into a dark, isolated prison cell.But chains could not restrain Valentine’s courage and kindness.In this new children’s book, the kindly bishop befriends Marcus, a good-hearted boy enslaved and wounded, and Marcella, the jailer’s daughter who longs to see not only with her eyes but also with her heart. With faith as his beacon, Valentine brings them hope, healing, and the greatest gift of all — Christ’s love.Filled with action, warmth, and timeless truth, Your Valentine is firmly grounded in historical truth. Magnificently illustrated by award-winning artist Antonio Javier Caparo, this book transcends the modern-day commercial trappings of February 14 and reveals the heroic faith and compassion of St. Valentine — the legendary saint whose life continues to guide us along love’s humble pathways even today. https://www.amazon.com/Your-Valentine-Anthony-DeStefano/dp/B0F4T7MX8P