St Valentine’s Day on 14 February embraces a time
of year historically associated with love and fertility.
On this day, we remember the martyrdom of St
Valentine, who was executed in Rome around 269
AD, under orders from the Emperor Claudius.
Emperor Claudius claimed that married men
made poor soldiers and decreed that marriage
between younger citizens be outlawed. Despite
this, it is believed that Valentine continued to conduct illegitimate
wedding ceremonies in the capital, maintaining that marriage was part of God’s plan
and purpose for the world. The popularity of his actions ultimately led to his arrest and
execution, but not before he fell in love with his jailer’s daughter. Legend suggests that
on the evening of his execution the priest passed her a note which read “from your
Valentine”.
The Feast Day of St Valentine invites us to mark and acknowledge the all loving God
who blesses those who love one another. The sacrificial love of God in Christ is an
example of the human love between men and women.
St Valentine’s Day Prayer:
Eternal God, we offer our thanks that through our earthly lives
you speak of your eternal life.
We rejoice in the wonder of creation, the gift of human life
and the many blessings that our relationships bring.
Renew in us the fruits of your Holy Spirit;
that love, joy and peace may abound in our homes,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Kingswinford Deanery – Rural Dean: David Hoskin; Lay Chair: Anthony Lovesy
Diocese of Malaita (Melanesia): Bishop Samuel Sahu
Diocese of Malaita (Melanesia): Bishop Rickson Maomaoru