St. Valentine?

This coming weekend, many Americans and people worldwide will take time to buy a card, send a gift, or take to dinner a loved one in the name of St. Valentine. I did a little research to find out more about this “Catholic” saint but found more questions than answers. Some websites suggested St. Valentine was actually three separate persons and not one. Other sites suggested the Catholic Church no longer recognizes it as a feast day, while another other site had a story about Pope Francis meeting with engaged couples last year on the “feast” of St. Valentine’s Day. About the only thing I could find with much consistency is that the holiday originated with a Roman fertility celebration Lupercalia, and was “Catholicized” during the time of Pope Gelasius.

Regardless of its origins, today in our society it has come to recognize love. Not that we need a reminder, but this presents a great opportunity to reflect on God’s love for us, especially as we mark the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday next week. Lent reminds us that God loves us so much that he sent His son to die for us on a cross. Considering the gift God gave us, what will you get him for Valentine’s Day?

I asked students this question at assembly. I meant it to be rhetorical but students’ hands shot up, eager to answer the question. One student said, “A really big card,” another answered “prayers,” and the last student said “show respect and love for others.” All great gifts. I challenged our students this week to pick people they love each day, picture their faces, and offer a Hail Mary. Hopefully, this will help all of us feel the love--God’s--on Valentine’s Day.