February 14 is the feast of the great Catholic martyr and priest, St. Valentine. His persecutor, Claudius II, forbade Roman soldiers to marry. Since the saint officiated secret nuptial Masses, he was arrested, beaten, and beheaded. His relics remain in Rome. In addition to special graces, martyrdom requires training, which rests upon the self-denial (penance) of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Lent provides this time of exercise, preparing us to be witnesses for Christ (martyrs). Life is not worth living unless there is something worth dying for!
<< All Audio
wpengine2025-02-02T07:58:57-05:00