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This week, the USCCB lifts up National Marriage Week, celebrated between February 7 through February 14. On February 14, we celebrate St. Valentine’s Day. I have been told among friends of mine who are married that Valentine’s Day is a high feast day. I personally can’t imagine why; I am usually available on Valentine’s Day, as a celibate priest.
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St. Valentine is a Roman saint and his feast day is commemorated on February 14. From the Middle Ages, he was associated with courtly love. He was a clergy man who ministered to persecuted Christian. He is also the patron saint of Terni, epilepsy and beekeepers. He was martyred on February 14 and the Feast of St. Valentine is observed since the eighth century.
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St. Valentine was someone who had a great love and concern for his people, to the point of being willing to lay down his life so others may live. This type of love is a self-sacrificial love that goes beyond eros love, a courtly love. In marriage, the newlyweds are called to a type of love that imitates Christ’s own love for the Church. Namely, laying down His life so others may live. The type of love in marriage is difficult yet rewarded in that self- sacrificial love, and it is also a sacrament. In the sacrament of Marriage, one receives a lifetime supply of graces in order to be faithful until the end. Today we honor marriages, and I will offer you a prayer for marriage found in the USCCB website.
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God bless you and your families.
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Almighty and eternal God,
You blessed the union of married couples
so that they might reflect the union of Christ
with his Church:
look with kindness on them.
Renew their marriage covenant,
increase your love in them,
and strengthen their bond of peace
so that, with their children,
they may always rejoice in the gift of
your blessing.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
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Eucharistic Congress
Watch a promo video for the upcoming Eucharist Congress:
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Watch or listen to Fr. Aufiero
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Catechism in a Year
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