Valentine’s Day comes from an ancient Roman festival called “Lupercalia”,  which took place on February 15th.  It honored Juno, the Roman goddess of women and marriage, as well as Pan, the goddess of nature.

            It was a “Lovers’ Festival”, whereby young men and women chose partners for the festival by drawing names, then they exchanged gifts.

            In A.D. 496 - Bishop Gelasius changed the pagan festival to a Christian context, and made it on February 14th.

            Two Christian workers, declared saints, by the Roman Catholic Church (RCC), both named Valentine have been connected with the day.  They are:

   1) One was a priest who lived in Rome.  He was jailed by the  Romans for aiding Christians and later was beheaded in approximately A.D. 270.

   2) Another was a RCC Bishop who reigned about sixty miles from Rome.  He was beheaded in approximately A.D. 273 for converting a Roman family to Christianity.

            The custom of sending messages, called Valentines, which contain sentimental words has been around a long time and will probably continue on until Jesus comes.

            Special Valentine’s Day Activities (Banquets, Musicals, etc.) are normally appreciated by all with a “Lover’s Heart”.  The giving of flowers, valentines, and gifts are normal at this season.

            The Savior of mankind - Jesus, would have each of us to have hearts filled with love toward our fellowman.  May each of us strive to obey this teaching of Jesus (John 14:15).

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