We have All Saints' Day to honor all the saints, particularly those who do not have their own special feast day. All Souls' Day offers us that special occasion to pray for our deceased loved ones.
Saints Day in other countries . . . As you may know . . . Ireland has St Patrick's Day on Mar 17th. St. Patrick was a 5th-century Catholic missionary to Ireland and later served as bishop there. He is credited with bringing Christianity to parts of Ireland and was probably partly responsible for the Christianization of the Picts and Anglo-Saxons. Miracles
Mexico = Virgin of Guadalupe day Dec 12 In 1531, according to the accounts, the woman, speaking to Juan Diego in his native Nahuatl language (the language of the Aztec Empire), identified herself as the Virgin Mary, "mother of the very true deity". She was said to have asked for a church to be built at that site in her honor. Miracles
Scotland = St Andrew's Day Nov 30 Andrew the Apostle, also called Saint Andrew. Andrew was one of the original 12 apostles of Christ, and the brother of another apostle, Simon Peter. Both lived and worked as fishermen in Galilee. Very little else is known about Andrew's life. He is said to have traveled to Greece to preach Christianity, where he was crucified at Patras on an X-shaped cross. Miracles
Wales = St. David's Day Mar 1 St David became a renowned Catholic preacher, founding monastic settlements and churches in Wales, Brittany and southwest England – including, possibly, the abbey at Glastonbury. It is also said that he once rose a youth from death, and milestones during his life were marked by the appearance of springs of water. Miracles
Valentines Day Romantic Spots?
Below (at the end) you'll find car rental, airfare and hotel book and search capabilities. Note that you get best rates and Lynn Louise Says could make a couple dollars.
Click HERE to enjoy great Man/Woman love song! Why not be flexible and make your Valentine's Day into a 3-day weekend - use Washington's Birthday = Feb 17.
Why is Valentine's Day a holy holiday? The Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February, celebrated the coming of spring that included fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day.
These facts are true, but erroneous.
Some history: Valentine was a priest and was well known for his sanctity so the Emperor Claudius Gothicus, who was intrigued by his fame, invited him to the palace.
He offered Valentine his friendship and said he should adore the gods. But Valentino stated courageously and firmly that it was a waste of time worshiping the gods since Jesus Christ had brought the only true hope and the promise of a better world.
The Emperor was impressed by Valentine’s faith and entrusted him to a Roman nobleman named Asterius, whom he ordered to convert Valentine using "mellifluous arguments".
Asterius had a daughter who had been blind since the age of two. Valentino prayed over her and the girl regained her sight. Faced with this miracle, Asterius converted to Christianity along with his whole family.
When he heard about their conversion, the Emperor Claudius condemned Valentine to be beheaded. The execution took place on the Via Flaminia in Rome. He was buried nearby and soon a church was built there in his honor.
February 14, the day of execution has nothing to do with lovers. However, the tradition of Valentine being patron saint of lovers finds its origin in an ancient English text by Geoffrey Chaucer, who wrote according to whom birds start mating on Valentine's Day.
In mid-February, in fact, nature begins to awaken from its winter lethargy, so Saint Valentine has become the saint who announces the coming spring – which is why he is sometimes represented holding the sun in his hand.
Another reason has been offered. St. Valentine was arrested prior and sent to Emperor Claudius Gothicus (Claudius II) for converting the unfaithful to Christianity, marrying Christian couples and aiding Christians persecuted by him in Rome.
He proselytized to an enraged Claudius, who sentenced him to death if he did not renounce his faith.
St. Valentine’s refusal led to his execution.
Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.
Interesting Tidbit--The emperor had to maintain a strong army, but was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. Claudius believed that Roman men were unwilling to join the army because of their strong attachment to their wives and families. So he banned any and everything to do with making, having, honoring families.
Happy Valentine's Day
Instead of a box of chocolates, why not book a room or suite at the most luxurious hotel in town and have a romantic staycation?
Why not take your Mom, sister, brother etc to a concert of their choice?
Get a necklace for protection - but which saint or angel
Why talk to an angel
If you're thinking of traveling for Valentine's Day or any Saints Day, then please take a good look at the car rental, airfare and hotel choices below!!!
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