Happy Feast of Saint Valentino to every one of you
It is a fine custom appreciated by Pope Francis as expressed in his apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love): “I think of Saint Valentine’s Day; in some countries, commercial interests are quick to see the potential of this celebration than we are in the Church.” As we express our love to those close to us on Valentine’s Day, it is most fitting to express our love to the one closest to us, God Himself.
BISHOP HIIBORO ORIENTATION:
Theme: Substantiating the day!
Happy Feast of Saint Valentino to every one of you!
We need to move beyond the emotional understanding of this day to a real celebration of love for all! However, the custom has developed, and Valentine’s Day must be one on which people have to send signs of affection and I appreciation to spouses, families, and loved ones.
It is a fine custom appreciated by Pope Francis as expressed in his apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love): “I think of Saint Valentine’s Day; in some countries, commercial interests are quick to see the potential of this celebration than we are in the Church.” As we express our love to those close to us on Valentine’s Day, it is most fitting to express our love to the one closest to us, God Himself.
After all, “God is love” (1 Jn 4:16) and Valentine’s Day is based on the fervent love of a saint who gave his life for God.
Here are some helping questions;
Is Valentine’s Day just about lovers hanging out in pairs?
Is it all about those who claim to be in love going out for ice cream on a single day in the year and gifting each other material things?
Is Valentine's Day just for young people who claim to be so much in love that they set aside one day to show each other how they feel?
In my opinion, Valentine’s Day is a lot more than the one day many have limited it to.
Valentine’s Day matters to everyone, including old couples, and should be celebrated every day in families, at the workplace, and in the whole world.
Authentic love, l believe we should show to everyone, including politicians, security agents, parents, members of the Clergy, women, and men Religious, and people from all walks of life.
Valentine’s Day is a day for all of us. It is for families, for husbands and wives, for young lovers, for old lovers, for every human being that is made in the image and likeness of God!
Happy Valentine's Day of true love to each of you!
