St. Valentine

Italian, Valentino, Latin Valentinus. St Valentine is a third century saint honored in Western Christianity on February 14 and in Eastern Christian Orthodox on July 6. Though associated with love, he is also the patron saint of beekeepers and those sick of epilepsy. He was either a priest or bishop who ministered to persecuted Christians. He was martyred and buried on the VIA FLAMINIA on February 14.

Some days have special impact on us. Holy Week’s Maundy Thursday and Good Friday creates an atmosphere of darkness and loneliness. Easter Sunday’s aura is one of hope and relief from the mental and physical burdens of Semana Santa. Christmas is the most joyous and awaited day of the year. New Year’s day brings a feeling of joy; it calls us to review, renew, revive our past plans, dreams and hopes.

St. Valentine’s Day is different. It is 24 hours feeling of high expectations that something nice and beautiful will happen to me and that I will bring happiness, and a glow of warmth to someone. For the youth, it is a time to show love to the parents and to the most admired, dreamed about (also called puppy love) about your feelings. For the parents, looking at the happy faces, animated talks of the young gives a sense of satisfaction that is alive and well in the family. For seniors (I’m 85 and my wife is “secret”) it is a time to look back, smile and recall the things we did and did not do but should have done on Valentine’ Day. We are amused at the way the young prepare for Valentine’s Day.

This is the best day to show our love in a very special way. A touch, a smile, pressing hand and saying Happy Valentine’s, a chocolate, this is one day out of 365 days of the year where we can make a loved one happy. Don’t be stingy/kuripot/shy. “Mahal, Happy Valentine’s.” When she hears you say that, it will make her day. For us who are young at heart, Valentine’s Day is a once-a-year dream, a wish come true.