My funny Valentine

So some people claim he isn't a saint.

But he's in the earliest martyrologies. And the point, as Fr.Saunders so succinctly states in his article, is how we celebrate the day: "On this Valentine’s day, looking to the example of this great saint, each person should offer again his love to the Lord, for only by doing so can he properly love those who are entrusted to his care and any other neighbor."

This is essentially the same statement His Holiness made about the School of Love (below).

If you are looking for ways to mark the day as something other than the Feast of Ss. Cyril and Methodius, check out the following:

1. American Catholic has some great resources and a winning explanation for how the day is not anathema.

2. Catholic Culture suggests you read Love and Reponsibility by Karol Wojtyla.

3. Catholic Mom suggests, among many other great ideas, that you venerate the Sacred Heart of Jesus and teach your kids about the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

4. Send an e-greeting to those loved ones far away but still close to your heart.

My favorite way to celebrate the day is pass out to my co-workers hand-made valentines using blank index cards and little, red, foil heart stickers. I've made valentines this way every year for the past two decades. If you get a chance, tell people about the real St.Valentine and let them know you care.

Other ideas to consider:

1. Donate blood at your local Red Cross.
2. Take yourself to the doctor to check the health of your heart.
3. Distribute valentines to people not expecting it: the gas attendant, the lunch lady, or the flight attendant. Acknowledge the people who serve you on a daily basis.
4. Take your best friend to dinner instead of complaining about being single.
5. Visit a nursing home; bring roses.
6. Bring cookies to a soup kitchen.
7. Pray an hour before the Blessed Sacrament and tell God how much you love Him.

Remember, the day is not about you. It's about us.