Church to reclaim Valentine's Day for married couples

05-02-2010

A national initiativas been launched by the Church to "reclaim St Valentine's Day", focus on the true meaning of the feast day and the importance of romance in marriage.

Archbishop Philip Wilson, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, says the campaign is an opportunity to advocate the sacred bond of marriage.

St Valentine was executed on February 14, 269AD for going against a decree by Roman ruler Claudius that weddings be suspended because he needed unattached men to serve in his armies, said a press statement by CathCommSA.

The initiative, featured in an article in the February issue of The Southern Cross, provides parishes and Catholic school families with practical suggestions for celebrating St Valentine's Day and encouraging married couples to spend more time together.

Brochures and other resources such as prepared homilies, items for newsletters and discussion points for community groups have been sent out to parishes and schools.

http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=19209