Bonovox

Originally, in ancient Rome, February 14th was a holiday to honour Juno, the Queen and patron goddess for women, and marriage. Juno was also Queen of all the Roman gods and goddesses.

The following day, February 15th, began the ancient festival of Lupercalia, a fertility rite. Among the celebrations, names of Roman girls were chosen by young men, from a jar, and they would become their "partners" for this festival.

During the rule of Emperor Claudius II, Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular wars. Claudius had problems with his soldiers. He felt that married Roman soldiers did not fight as fiercely as single men. As a result, Claudius cancelled all upcoming marriages and marital engagements in Rome.

St. Valentine was a priest in Rome during the days of Claudius II. He and others, aided Christian martyrs, and also secretly married Christian Roman couples, so they would not have to live together in fornication, but have their union blessed with God's Holy Sacrament of Marriage.

St. Valentine was eventually arrested and dragged before the Prefect of Rome. He was condemned to be beaten with clubs and then to have his head cut off. St. Valentine suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, in the year 270.

Every day there are literally dozens, sometimes thousands of Christian saints commemorated. Today, the commemoration of this particular saint has become so mixed up, it is completely contrary to itself.

Unbridled sensuousness abounds, and "Valentine's Day" has devolved into a modern excuse for adult Lupercalian orgies... a day when lustful passions are celebrated.

Commercialism runs rampant. As soon as Christmas decorations are torn down, grocery stores display Valentine's Candies and chocolates. You must buy your loved one an expensive gift. You must do this and do that.

The innocent, sweet exchange of Valentine cards from bygone days has almost been eradicated.

In celebrating a particular "Saint's Day", a Christian goes to church, receives Holy Communion, perhaps give alms, and visits the sick. A Christian tries to keep an honoured Saint's Day pure, holy, and God-pleasing.

This is a true expression of love, for God, family, friend, neighbour, spouse, and loved ones.