What's the Big Deal With Valentine's Day?

This post was brought to you in part by the multitude of people I've encountered who "don't get it". Many who don't have a significant other complain about Valentine's Day as being a "made up" holiday for those who are in love, and a "slap in the face day" for those who are single. Others chip in with, "Yeah, well, it's just another day I'm not getting roses," and "shouldn't we show love to each other every day?" Well, of course!

Today is a prime example of how a feast day was taken over by commercialization and the true meaning of the day lost...much like Christmas, St. Patrick's Day, etc. etc. Feast Days in the Catholic Church are part of the liturgical year, and are days set aside to honor the good God has worked through some very special people, the saints. The saints are real live heroes who we can look up to and try to emulate. 

February 14th is the feast day of St. Valentine in the Catholic Church.

This story takes us back to 3rd century Rome. At that time it was illegal for couples to marry. The emperor, Claudius II, wanted dedicated soldiers, not family men. Valentine, a Catholic priest, knew how dangerous this law was to the morals of Christians, and continued marrying people against the law. He also helped Christians who were fleeing Roman persecution at the time. For these crimes he was imprisoned. 

While in prison, Valentine wrote many letters to Christians, encouraging them to stay strong in the Faith and inspiring them to continue following Christ's laws. These letters were smuggled out of prison and delivered for him. 

It is said that at one point Valentine tried to convince Claudius of the truths of Christianity, which so enraged the emperor that he sentenced Valentine to death. He commanded Valentine to renounce his faith or he'd be beaten with clubs and beheaded. 

Valentine refused, and was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gates February 14, 269. 

In the year 496, Pope Galasius declared February 14 the feast day of St. Valentine. Today is the day we honor this martyr who gave up his life for his God and his Faith.

In 1878, archaeologist Orazio Marucchi uncovered a catacomb and an ancient church, both dedicated to St. Valentine. 

Valentines were sent to loved ones on this day to imitate the letters written by St. Valentine while he was in prison. Loved ones didn't have to be a significant other, but could be your parents, a friend, or neighbor. True love, after all, is charity.

I'm all for not celebrating this day with obligatory chocolates and roses. Maybe if you don't like the commercialized holiday this has become, you can take it back by dedicating the day to charitable acts. Open a door for someone. Say an encouraging word to someone who's struggling. Write a sweet note. Just show someone you care! Just a thought. It's much more productive than complaining about it, and costs absolutely nothing at all. 😘