February 14th is widely known for the holiday of love–red roses, chocolates, passing heart-shaped cards back and forth. But what are the roots of Valentine’s Day?
In our Catholic Church, St. Valentine of Rome is a patron saint of love, young couples, and happy marriages. He was not married–I repeat, NOT married! He was a consecrated priest and bishop, who was persecuted and imprisoned multiple times for his faith. During one of these imprisonments, he miraculously restored sight to the judge’s blind daughter, thus converting the judge and his whole family to Christianity. His most popular history is his habit of secretly witnessing Catholic marriages, thereby aiding vocations in a highly persecuted era. Eventually, he was martyred for his faith; his feast day is on February 14th!
Thus, Valentine’s Day is much more than just an occasion to send pretty cards–or to bemoan your own loneliness. Of course, it’s no fun to spend the holiday alone while everyone around you seems to be paired off happily. But, for those of you who are single this Valentine's Day, let’s explore some unconventional ways to spend the holiday that the saint himself would approve of!
Visit the sick
Jesus answered Valentine’s prayer to heal the blind daughter, right? We can imitate this same faith and say some extra prayers for those in need of physical healing. Even better, we can go visit the sick and suffering on this day. Especially if we’re not planning a romantic date, we can spend time doing this particular corporal work of mercy. Who in your life isn’t well? An aging relative, a sick parent, a struggling sibling, maybe even a family who simply has a bad cold? Step up and do something nice for them. A phone call, a short visit, or even a Doordash treat would make their day. Bonus points if you include a heart-covered card.
Celebrate ALL vocations!
St. Valentine was a priest and a bishop before being martyred. Where are your priests during Valentine’s Day? Do you have any orders of nuns, or monks, or a seminary in your area? These faithful should be remembered and equally celebrated, as theirs are vocations of religious spiritual love. It could mean a lot to your parish priest to bring him a card, gift card, or cookie in remembrance of St. Valentine. A family in my church has a daughter far away in a cloistered community–our parish regularly sends care packages or holiday baskets to her whole sisterhood. Seminaries might have donation opportunities already set up. Just Google what’s in your area and see where it takes you!
Send out ten random CatholicMatch holiday emojis!
Maybe what you need this Valentine’s Day is to get out of your comfort zone. Other CatholicMatch users are also single, right? Make it your goal to send out ten holiday emojis or messages to people you normally wouldn’t reach out to. Maybe they’re too far away, not your “type,” or new members. Something as simple as “Happy Valentine’s Day from another single pringle!” might just make them smile. And who knows, it could always kick off a good conversation and lead to a date in the future. St. Valentine would approve!
Pray for the persecuted
Christianity is still persecuted harshly across the globe. Honor St. Valentine by praying for those who, like him, are imprisoned and suffering for their faith. We might not have the opportunity to witness secret Catholic weddings, but we can say a Rosary or a Chaplet of Divine Mercy (my favorite!) for those who are being persecuted simply for being Catholic. Take your prayers to the Author of Love Himself in Adoration, and make a special holy hour for those under St. Valentine’s patronage.
Hang out with some kids!
Little children LOVE holidays, especially any that involve crafts and treats. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and sparks our own zest for life. Do you have any nieces or nephews to party with on February 14th? What about friends, parish families, or neighbors? Schools and daycares are often looking for volunteers to help with card parties and inevitable glitter glue explosions. Truly, there’s nothing more fun than getting covered in pink frosting alongside a pack of kindergarteners. You’ll be so entertained, you won’t care that you’re single this Valentine’s Day!
Set up a singles’ meet and greet!
You are not the only one to be without a date this holiday. Why not create an event for all those in the single-boat? Maybe you could host a potluck at your house for all the singles in your parish, and put a notice in the bulletin a week ahead of time. You could collaborate with some existing groups, like local dance groups, Newman center game nights, or senior citizen bonfires. Heck, what about a virtual meet and greet? Log into your CatholicMatch profile and send out a few of these: “Hey, I’m dateless this Valentine’s Day–if you are too, let’s do a solidarity video chat!” See who bites. There’s no need to spend the day lonely when you could be making new connections.
Finally, remember to savor this time while you can be creative and celebrate Valentine's Day however you want.
Singleness can be a season of many different blessings, and it is important to let loose and have fun with your friends during this time of life!
Find Your Forever.
CatholicMatch is the largest and most trusted
Catholic dating site in the world.
Continue Reading
