Valentine's Day Celebrations

St. Valentine

Was there really a Saint Valentine? The answer is yes, but not much is known about him. In fact, there may actually be two saints by the same name. One was a bishop of Terni, Italy, and the other a priest and physician in Rome. 

Most accounts say the Saint Valentine whose feast day we celebrate on February 14 was a third-century priest who was arrested for continuing to convert people to Christianity, to marry Christian couples, and to aid Christians who were being persecuted by Claudius II in Rome. Claudius sentenced Valentine to death, and he was beaten and beheaded on February 14, 270.

So how did St. Valentine become the patron saint of love? Again, there are different stories, but the most likely traces back to the fifth century and the pagan festival of Lupercus, during which a lottery was held pairing adolescent boys and girls. In 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius outlawed the pagan ritual and replaced it with St. Valentine’s Day and with a new, chaste lottery. This time, young men and women would choose the name of a saint whom they would try to emulate during the following year.

Until 1969, St. Valentine's feast day appeared on the Church calendar, but at that time, it was replaced by the Feast Day of Ss. Cyril and Methodius. It doesn't mean St. Valentine is no longer recognized as a saint, but it is, more so, an acknowledgement that so little is known about him.

In addition to love, St. Valentine is the patron saint of marriage, engaged couples, travelers, beekeepers, and young people.

Celebrations in the Diocese of Portland

Falmouth - St. Valentine's Ball

Dress to the nines and dine with those you love in the spirit of Saint Valentine at the Parish of the Holy Eucharist's St. Valentine's Day Ball. The ball, which will be held February 15 at 5 p.m. at Holy Martyrs of North America Church, 266 Foreside Road in Falmouth, includes a dinner buffet featuring baked ham, roasted potatoes, peas, dinner rolls, and assorted desserts. There will also be music for dancing provided by DJ Dan Dibaise, and attendees will receive one digital portrait from Cindy Russell Photography. Tickets are $10 per person.  You can register here.

Frenchville - Celebration of Marriage Valentine's Day Dinner

The Christian Life Center invites all married couples to come and celebrate their marriage at a Valentine's Day Dinner for Couples on Friday, February 14, 2025. The evening will begin with Mass at 4 p.m., followed by the dinner. The Christian Life Center is located at 444 U.S. Route One in Frenchville. The cost is $50 per couple. To register: 207-543-6193. Space is limited so register early.