Valentine’s Day is this Saturday. The modern calendar has transformed this holy day into a secular celebration of romantic love. However, the Church celebrates the holy love and martyrdom of St. Valentine on this day. We don’t know much about the real Valentine, but the legend says that he was a bishop in the 3rd century who was killed by the Romans after refusing to refrain from performing marriages. As you make plans for Valentine’s Day, consider reading 1 Corinthians 13 for your meditations and say the prayer below.
O ALMIGHTY God, who hast called us to faith in thee, and hast compassed us about with so great a cloud of witnesses; Grant that we, encouraged by the good examples of thy Saints, and especially of thy servant Saint Valentine, may persevere in running the race that is set before us, until at length, through thy mercy, we, with them, attain to thine eternal joy; through him who is the author and finisher of our faith, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
