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However, as Catholics we believe it is about one of our saints. Here again the problem is that church history has at least two saints called Valentine. Some think it is about the same person; a priest who later became a Bishop. The good news, however, that is the underlying factor in all the origins of valentine is love

Today, Valentine is celebrated almost everywhere in the world. It is popular, second only to Christmas. Our understanding of true love should guide us to celebrate valentine the right way.

What is love?
St Thomas Aquinas says to love is to do the will of another. St Paul says love does not seek her own. St John says there is no greater love to die for another. Perhaps the best definition comes from 1 Jn. 3; 16 this is love, Christ died for you and you must die for one another.

To die in this context is derived from a Jewish word which means to give strength and hope to someone especially in moments of greatest need without expecting a reward. Love is therefore about the sacrifices we make to make others better.

Abuse of love
If the true purpose of anything is not known, abuse is inevitable. This explains why, today, with our poor understanding of love, many have narrowed valentine down to premarital sex, profane songs, indecent dressing, substance abuse, loud and profane music and unrealistic demands such as mobile phone, expensive items and money.

Many young girls including those in Primary Schools use Valentine’s Day to break their virginity. Young men and women who are complete strangers engage in premarital sex and expect nothing from each other a day after. The American term for this is ‘hook up’.

Many young people get trapped into promiscuity which gives rise to abortion, unwanted pregnancies and HIV infections. Many young girls have ruined their future with few moments of fun. Some through substance abuse lose their inhibitions and flout authority; this is a big factor to the rising indiscipline among our youth today. There is no wonder Valentine studies show celebration of Valentine is dying because the rush to buy toys, chocolate, cards and other items have slowed down. Today Ghana has renamed Valentine’s Day Chocolate Day.

However, as Catholics we must appreciate the importance of Valentine’s Day because it is the celebration of true love, humanity and God who made us in His image. It is also important to appreciate that for Catholics, St Valentine must be our model as we celebrate Valentine’s Day.

St Valentine model of true love
Valentine upheld the dignity of mankind. He saw the good in himself and his life as a call to serve others. See the goodness in you as a child of God. Focus on your good attributes and pamper yourself because if you do not love yourself you can’t love others and no one can love you. Dress in what makes you feel good and do activities you enjoy doing- reading, watching good films or going out with friends. Count your blessings. Celebration of valentine begins with you and you do not have to be married or be in a relationship to celebrate valentine.

Valentine gave gifts. Send gifts you can afford; chocolates, flowers, cards and perfumes. Gifts are signs of love of goodwill because sharing with others is human kindness. Studies show people who give feel good and attract generosity.

Kindness is the commonest expression of love because it creates goodwill and dispels hurts. When you are kind you see each other as valuable, worthwhile and good. You enhance your lover’s personal wealth. Kindness therefore increases intimacy because if you are kind, your lover feels loved, accepted and valued. He or she is motivated to treat you in similar of better ways. Therefore with one act of

kindness, you can inspire your lover to plant seeds of happiness.
Valentine blessed marriages. This is an opportune time to propose to someone you love. If you are married rededicate yourself to your calling into God’s ministry of marriage. Appreciate the sanity and sanctity of marriage and let your marriage shine so that it becomes an agent of evangelisation.

Valentine loved children. As parents we must remind ourselves that our children are gifts of God. He makes us caretakers and caregivers who will account for what we do for our children. We must therefore nurture our children to be useful to themselves and humanity. Above all we must put God’s truth in our children build up their faith in the Lord and lead them to salvation.

Valentine forgave and healed his jailer’s daughter. We must remind ourselves that it impossible to be in any social setup such as marriage, family or church without offending each other. See your conflicts as God’s plan to remind you of your own weaknesses and teach you humility, tolerance, perseverance and unconditional love. God commands you to forgive unconditionally and deep from your heart because it is a precondition to receive from Him. An effective way to forgive others is to keep praying for them.

St Valentine model of love
Anything uncelebrated exits from our lives. This explains why after 64 years Ghana celebrates its Independence Day each year. On the other hand anything celebrated grows in health. We must therefore all celebrate Valentine’s Day as we thank God for the gift of life. Join in the cerebration but do it St Valentine’s way. Happy Valentine

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