Next week promises to be a big week!
First, we will celebrate St. Valentine's Day
on Monday, the 14th.
Here is some catechist's background. The man's name, Valentine, in Latin refers to "strong, powerful, worthy." Pope Gelasius I switched an ancient pagan holiday -- in celebration of the Roman god Juno -- during 496 c.e., into Saint Valentine's Feast on February 14.
Christian legend says that a priest, named Valentine, was an outspoken and brave Christian community leader. He baptized many (even Saint Lucy the Martyr perhaps) and performed other ministerial duties faithfully and constantly.
Valentine attracted the attention -- and the deep anger -- of Claudius II, the emperor of Rome. The legend concludes that Valentine, ever-brave, was thrown int a Roman jail and eventually executed (by bow and arrow?) because he would not renounce his Christian faith.
The Roman version of the name Valentine was very common, for males, during that period in the Roman Empire. There is some evidence in Christian history that there may have been two or perhaps three Valentines, during early Christian history, who deserve the title Saint -- and all died, coincidentally, on the date February 14 (but during different years).
One very old, romantic part of the Valentine story tells about the saint-to-be locked in a jail cell before his execution by Claudius II. -- As the tale goes, Valentine falls in love with his jailer's daughter. Before his death, he wrote her a touching love letter "from your Valentine." And, thus was born, from this, the practice of using symbols like hearts, love, bows and arrows, cupids ("the God of Love" from Roman mythology), the color red for passion, and "Valentine's cards" among friends and lovers on February 14.
Second, training workshops for Why Catholic? small group leaders will begin.
Training in English and Spanish for Why Catholic? small group leaders begins on Tuesday, the 15th. Click for the complete schedule below. (Attend only one date & time):
Please have each of those who plan to be Why Catholic? small group facilitators -- in your parish, school, or other community -- attend one of the training sessions on the schedule.
The actual meetings of small groups for Season 1 -- Why Catholic? should begin in your local community during the season of Lent, March 2011.
Great news today! There is a big menu of theological presentations -- now available -- via DVD videos online from OLFE.
