Dear Friends,
As we approach Valentine’s Day this week, we are surrounded by heart-shaped cards, chocolates, and festive decorations, all reminding us of the significance of love in our lives. While this day is often associated with romantic love, the Church also recognizes another beautiful occasion around the same time -World Marriage Day, which fell on Sunday, February 9, as part of National Marriage Week (February 7-14).
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) encourages us to take this time to reflect on the sacred bond of marriage and the family, emphasizing this year’s theme: "Marriage: Source of Hope, Spring of Renewal. Pursue a Lasting Love!" In a world that often distorts the meaning of love, we as a Church have the opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love, rooted in the example of Christ.
Interestingly, Valentine’s Day itself has Christian origins. Saint Valentine was a Roman Catholic priest who was martyred on February 14, 270 A.D. under the persecution of Emperor Claudius II. The emperor sought to eradicate Christianity and executed influential Christian leaders, including Father Valentine, who remained steadfast in his faith despite the threat of death. Legend tells us that before his execution, Valentine gave a heart-shaped note to the jailer’s daughter—a small yet powerful symbol of enduring love. The Church later canonized him, and his feast day became a time to remember not only romantic love but the sacrificial love of a Christian witness.
