Although Valentine’s Day is most popularly known as a day for roses, chocolates, romance, and wining and dining, it is also known as the Feast of St. Valentine.
St. Valentine is the patron saint of lovers, epileptics and beekeepers. He is one of only two saints – Valentine and Patrick – who have their feast days listed as holidays on ordinary calendars.
Though this saint’s name has become synonymous with love and affection, little is known about him, except that he was a Roman priest and martyr (a person considered to have died because of their testimony for Jesus or faith in Jesus).
“Although we may not understand why a priest is the patron saint of lovers, it’s easy to know why we have a saint especially assigned to the virtue of love. Love is an essential ingredient for life.” (365 Saints by Woodeene Koenig-Bricker)
What is a saint?
Some might ask what makes a saint, a Saint. According to Christian teachings, a saint (broadly speaking) is anyone who follows Jesus and lives their life according to His teaching. Saints with a capital ‘S’ are those who led lives of holiness and heroic virtue while on earth and are now officially declared and recognized by the Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
“Heroic” virtue refers to a saint’s ability to overcome sinful tendencies and temptations. They weren’t immune to sin, and many of them had to struggle for years to conquer their sinful passions. Saints weren’t perfect. They made mistakes just like everyone else. But what sets them apart with the title “saint” is that they did not stay down when they fell. By God’s grace, these holy men and women stood up, brushed off the dirt and kept moving forward.*
The remarkable thing about a lot of Saints is they were regular, everyday people. And they experienced life’s ups and downs just like the rest of us. However, they listened to God’s calling for their life. They made it their purpose to live an honorable and holy life.
So, as we enjoy this beautiful Valentine’s Day holiday, don’t forget the roots of the holiday from St. Valentine. Consider how you can also demonstrate your love for those around you, just as Jesus shows his love for each one of us.
* https://aleteia.org/2021/04/27/what-is-a-saint-in-the-catholic-church/
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