Holy Trinity St. John Catholic Church the BaptistGayle Wilcox, Owner -Designer (541) 332 - 0445 P.O....

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Holy Trinity Catholic Church 355 Oregon Ave Bandon, OR 97411 St. John the Baptist 15th and Hwy 101 Port Orford, OR 97465 Mission Statement: To be a welcoming Catholic community committed to love, prayer, and service. Online Giving Now Available We are excited to announce that Holy Trinity Parish now accepts one-time and recurring donations conveniently, on our website! You can make your secure donation via electronic check or debit/credit card by simply visiting www.holytrinitybandon.org/donate. Holy Trinity ~ Bandon Saturday Vigil Mass……………......................5:00 pm Sunday Mass………………...…….................10:30 am Tuesday Mass…………………………………5:00 pm Wednesday Mass (Church)..……...…….…….5:00 pm Thursday Mass (Chapel)…………………….12:00 pm Friday Mass (Chapel)………………………..12:00 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation Wednesday (Church)…………………….4:30-5:00 pm Saturday (Church)………...……………..3:30-4:30 pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Thursday (Chapel)....…………………..12:30-8:00 pm Friday (Chapel)...……………...………9:30 am - Noon St. John the Baptist ~ Port Orford Sunday Mass...….…...……..………….............8:30 am Thursday Mass………………………………...9:00 am Sacrament of Reconciliation Sunday………………...………...….……7:45-8:15 am Highlights this Week Enjoy coffee & donuts the parish hall after the 10:30 am Mass, hosted by Jennifer Schultz for the Youth Group. Sunday, February 9 - today - the Youth Group will hike up Humbug Mountain after the 10:30 am Mass. Come celebrate Mass in the church at 5:00 pm this Wednesday, February 12, followed by our Valentine Dinner at 5:30 pm and Religious Education and RCIA/Adult Education at 6:15 pm in the parish hall. See you all there! National Marriage Week began on Friday, February 7, and will continue this week through Valentines Day. Be sure to read the inserts in this bulletin for tips on making your marriage all that God intends it to be! ♥♥♥ Parish Priest: Rev. Anthony Ahamefule Fr. Anthonys Voicemail: 541-347-2309 Fr. Anthonys Email: [email protected] www.holytrinitybandon.org www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityBandon.org/ https://twitter.com/BandonHoly Parish Office: (541) 329-0697 Parish Office Fax: (541) 347-9256 Office Email: [email protected] Holy Trinity office hours: M-Th-F, 9 am - 3 pm St. Johns office hours: Thur, 9:30-11 am Liturgy Schedule February 8-14, 2020 February 9, 2020 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

Transcript of Holy Trinity St. John Catholic Church the BaptistGayle Wilcox, Owner -Designer (541) 332 - 0445 P.O....

Page 1: Holy Trinity St. John Catholic Church the BaptistGayle Wilcox, Owner -Designer (541) 332 - 0445 P.O. Box 769 311 6th Street

Holy Trinity

Catholic Church

355 Oregon Ave

Bandon, OR 97411

St. John

the Baptist

15th and Hwy 101

Port Orford, OR 97465

Mission Statement: To be a welcoming Catholic community committed to love, prayer, and service.

Online Giving Now Available We are excited to announce that Holy Trinity Parish now accepts one-time and recurring donations conveniently, on

our website! You can make your secure donation via electronic check or debit/credit card by simply visiting www.holytrinitybandon.org/donate.

Holy Trinity ~ Bandon

Saturday Vigil Mass……………......................5:00 pm Sunday Mass………………...…….................10:30 am Tuesday Mass…………………………………5:00 pm Wednesday Mass (Church)..……...…….…….5:00 pm Thursday Mass (Chapel)…………………….12:00 pm Friday Mass (Chapel)………………………..12:00 pm

Sacrament of Reconciliation Wednesday (Church)…………………….4:30-5:00 pm Saturday (Church)………...……………..3:30-4:30 pm

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Thursday (Chapel)....…………………..12:30-8:00 pm Friday (Chapel)...……………...………9:30 am - Noon

St. John the Baptist ~ Port Orford

Sunday Mass...….…...……..………….............8:30 am Thursday Mass………………………………...9:00 am Sacrament of Reconciliation Sunday………………...………...….……7:45-8:15 am

Highlights this Week

• Enjoy coffee & donuts the parish hall after the 10:30 am Mass, hosted by Jennifer Schultz for the Youth Group. • Sunday, February 9 - today - the Youth Group will hike up Humbug Mountain after the 10:30 am Mass. • Come celebrate Mass in the church at 5:00 pm this Wednesday, February 12, followed by our Valentine Dinner at

5:30 pm and Religious Education and RCIA/Adult Education at 6:15 pm in the parish hall. ‘See you all there! • National Marriage Week began on Friday, February 7, and will continue this week through Valentine’s Day. Be

sure to read the inserts in this bulletin for tips on making your marriage all that God intends it to be! ♥♥♥

Parish Priest: Rev. Anthony Ahamefule

Fr. Anthony’s Voicemail: 541-347-2309

Fr. Anthony’s Email: [email protected]

www.holytrinitybandon.org

www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityBandon.org/

https://twitter.com/BandonHoly

Parish Office: (541) 329-0697

Parish Office Fax: (541) 347-9256

Office Email: [email protected]

Holy Trinity office hours: M-Th-F, 9 am - 3 pm

St. John’s office hours: Thur, 9:30-11 am

Liturgy Schedule

February 8-14, 2020 February 9, 2020

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

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Holy Trinity

Activities

Monday 2/10

9:30 am……………..Weekday Prayer, Chapel

1:30 pm..….…............………..Rosary, Chapel

Tuesday 2/11

5:00 pm….…….……...………...Mass, Chapel

Wednesday 2/12

5:00 pm….…..............................Mass, Church

5:30 pm….…….……..…...WCN Dinner, Hall

6:15 pm…….Religious Education/RCIA, Hall

Thursday 2/13

10:45 am………....……..….Bible Study, Hall

12:00 pm………....…………….Mass, Chapel

12:30-8:00 pm………….....Adoration, Chapel

Friday 2/14

9:30 am-12:00 pm……..….Adoration, Chapel

12:00 pm……………..……..….Mass, Chapel

Liturgical Ministers

February 15-16

Saturday Vigil 2/15

Lector: Allison Hundley EMHC: Elaine S. & Lupe C.

Sacristan: Elaine S. & Lupe C.

Sunday 2/16

Lector: Mike Hahn EMHC: Lisa T. & Geri P.

Sacristan: Mike Hahn

February 1-2 Collection

Regular $2522 Building Fund $205

St. John’s $392

Next weekend will be the

Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal

presentation.

Parish Priest’s Corner You are the Light of the World

My dear friends in Christ, One of the hallmarks of the winter season is that it gets dark early, too early sometimes. Many people do not like to drive when it is dark because, even with the aid of our car’s headlights, there is less visibility. More seriously, a prolonged period of darkness can impact our overall health conditions. It can lead to what the Smithsonian magazine in one of its research articles called “Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).” It described SAD as “a subtype of depres-sion that involves many of the same symptoms, including loss of energy, lack of interest in enjoyable activities, over-sleeping and feelings of hopelessness. Decreased sunlight can cause drops in your body's production of serotonin, a brain chemical that helps to determine mood. Lack of light can also alter the brain's balance of melatonin, a chemical produced during the hours of darkness that helps to govern sleep patterns and mood.” If we come to think about it, the presence of darkness is a result of the absence of sunlight. The reality of the winter experience helps us to understand the words of Jesus in today’s gospel when he says to you: “You are the light of the world.” In reminding each of us, his followers, the light of the world, Jesus, recognizes that the world is in darkness and in need of true light. Our families, communities, towns, the society and the entire world are in so much need of the light of Christ. They need the light of peace, the light of love, the light of reconciliation, the light of truth, the light of honesty, the light of selflessness and sacrifice, the light of faith in God. This light can only come through you. For us to become the Light of the World as Jesus commands, we need to first possess the virtues of Christ, hear his teachings, and follow him unreservedly. Secondly, we are to become good examples to others in an open manner by exhibiting all good things that Christ taught us. The prophet Isaiah, in the first reading, lays out for us some examples of what it means to be the Light of the World when he calls us to “Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn….” Can we do this? Jesus wouldn’t have gone through all the trouble of gathering a bunch of people together, teaching them about the kingdom of God, and sending them off on a mission if he didn’t think we had the ability to handle this. A good teacher knows what his students can handle. Do we see in ourselves what God sees in us? We have the ability to be both salt and light. We can do this!

Kathy Welch, Bernie & Maggie Karlin, Todd Cook, Doug Schwartz, Tricia Brown, Pierre Dupree, Lee Taylor, Priscilla & Vern Lang, Patty Hernjak, Judy Crowe, Frank White, David Willis, Steven White, Jr., Carol Ev-ans, Tom Lindstrom, John Freitag, Jr, Sister Monica, Nancy LaBay, Skip Thomas, Greg, and everyone on Holy Trinity & St. John’s Prayer Chains.

Holy Trinity:

Sat 2/8: +Jeanne Karath (mother of

Father Bill Karath)

Sun 2/9: +Ronald Carfi

St. John the Baptist:

Sun 2/9: Parishioners of St. John’s

Page 3: Holy Trinity St. John Catholic Church the BaptistGayle Wilcox, Owner -Designer (541) 332 - 0445 P.O. Box 769 311 6th Street

Ongoing Programs

Reflecting on Sunday’s Readings

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A ~ February 16, 2020

To help you prepare for Mass next weekend, here are next Sunday’s readings:

Reading I: Sirach 15:15-20 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119 Reading II: I Corinthians 2:6-10 Gospel: Matthew 5:17-37

Coffee and Donuts Schedule

Coordinator: Jennifer Schulz 541-404-1825

Date Group Point Person February 9 Youth Group Joshua Freitag, 541-290-1027

February 16 Eucharistic Ministers Geri Procetto, 541-347-3472

February 23 No Coffee & Donuts Decorate for Mardi Gras!

March 1 Lectors Allison Hundley, 541-404-2268

Come, Join Our Bible Study!

Bible Study class will meet on Thursday, February 13, in the Parish Hall. We gather at 10:45 am with a social time, followed by study of the upcoming Sunday’s Scripture readings at 11:00. Class is finished at 11:45, in time for Mass at noon. Please call Kathy Cowan for more information at 347-3031.

All are welcome!

Announcements

Upcoming Events

Youth Group/Faith Formation: The youth will go on a hike up Humbug Mountain after the Sunday Mass today, February 9. Have a great and blessed time! RCIA and Adult Education: Father Anthony will teach this, Wednesday, February 12, during the normal class time for Religious Education, 6:15-7:00 pm. Pacific Pregnancy Clinic Donations: The Altar Society is again sponsoring donations for the Pacific Pregnancy Clinic (formerly Pregnancy Resource Center). Donations can be left in the back of the church for the entire month of February. Thank you for your generosity toward this important ministry! Knights of Columbus: The Knights of Holy Trinity will meet February 20, beginning with the Rosary at 6:30 pm, followed by the meeting at 7 pm in the hall. Men’s Retreat: The Knights of Columbus will be hosting a Men's Retreat on Saturday, February 22, 2020. It will be held at St. Monica's Parish Hall from 9 am to 3 pm. All men are invited. Lunch will be provided. There is no cost to attend and is local. Please SAVE THE DATE and plan to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Kozakiewicz at 541-808-7463. Lent is Coming Soon! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, February 26, which is Ash Wednesday. This is the beginning of the Lenten Season, a season of grace that our parish will celebrate in a profound way with these spiritual activities:

• A parish retreat • Faith sharing groups • Stations of the Cross • Lenten reconciliation service.

Thank You Very Much Thanks to everyone who helped to keep our liturgies and activities going smoothly during Father Anthony’s absence. Your generosity of time and care is very much appreciated!

Outreach Ministry

Parish leaders, staff, and in fact every parishioner has a role in Outreach Ministry, as you are often the first points of contact and witness to the parish community.

How can you help? By letting any of the outreach ministers know about a parishioner who you think would appreciate a call from us, especially those unable to attend our commu-nal Eucharistic celebration on the weekends. There will be a box at the back of the church for you to put the name of the person you would like the outreach ministers to contact.

Also, Carol Holden, the Outreach coordinator, can be emailed at [email protected] or Cathy Upton at [email protected]. Their contact information can also be found on the church website.

At the end of Mass every weekend, walk up to a new person, introduce yourself to them, share your story and get to know them. Personal witness and touch are the best form of outreach and evangelization.

Thank you, Outreach Committee

Page 4: Holy Trinity St. John Catholic Church the BaptistGayle Wilcox, Owner -Designer (541) 332 - 0445 P.O. Box 769 311 6th Street

Phone: 347-2450 ~ 1st & Delaware, Old Town Bandon - Across from the Boat Basin

Hours: Daily 11 am - 8 pm

Mark M. Williams Attorney at Law

Wills, Trusts & Probate

50219 Hwy. 101 South, Suite D-1

Bandon, OR 97411

541-347-1200

FOUNDED IN 1882 BY

VENERABLE FATHER MICHAEL J. MCGIVNEY

THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

A FRATERNAL ORDER OF 2.2 MILLION

CATHOLIC MEN, DEFENDS AND SUPPORTS

THE DOMESTIC, LOCAL, NATIONAL AND

UNIVERSAL CHURCH.

Contact Mike Hahn, [email protected] or 541-347-6680

Wreaths Potted Plants

Weddings Business Gifts Funerals Jewelry

Arrangements Balloons & Gifts

Gayle Wilcox, Owner - Designer

(541) 332-0445 P.O. Box 769 311 6th Street Port Orford, OR 97465 Port Orford, OR 97465

Your ad

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St. John’s Coordinators

Emergencies: Gary Dietel…………...………………………332-0139

Women’s Guild: Priscilla Lang……………………………..253-6166

Prayer Chain: Lynda Dietel……[email protected] or 332-0139

Hospitality: Nancy O’Donnell…...………………………….373-9504

Music: Lynda Dietel……………...……………………….....332-0139

Communion Ministers/Lectors: Patricia Huntzinger…......404-8071

Church Bulletin: Teresa Roberts…………………………...329-0697 [email protected]

Help our parish,

and let us help your

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Call 541-329-0697

3 month ad, $70 3 month double ad, $100

6 month ad, $140 12 month ad, $250

Holy Trinity Parish Coordinators

Emergencies, Lectors: Allison Hundley………………….404-2268

Religious Education: Sharon Hennick……………………297-5555

Youth Ministry Coordinator: Josh Freitag………………290-1027

Homebound Ministry: Judy Crowe……………….……...347-5043 Music Director: Kathleen Stadelman………….….………347-2640 Prayer Chain: Carol Holden………………….………….347-1949 EMHC: Kathy Cowan………………..…………………...347-3031

Altar Servers: Jeff Turner……………………….…...503-302-6425 Knights of Columbus: Mike Hahn……..…………….719-322-3162 Outreach Ministry: Carol Holden………………..…..…...347-1949

Cathy Upton………………………...347-2579

Hall Rental: Teresa Roberts……………...……….………329-0697

Office Assistant/Bulletin: Teresa Roberts………….…….329-0697

[email protected] www.holytrinitybandon.org

“We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is a friend of silence.”

~ Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Page 5: Holy Trinity St. John Catholic Church the BaptistGayle Wilcox, Owner -Designer (541) 332 - 0445 P.O. Box 769 311 6th Street

Seeing Life in a New Way Recently I read a story about a couple who while living in Normandy, France had the opportunity to get to know an elderly priest. Because of falling clergy numbers at the time, this priest was then responsible for serving five parish-es. It went on to say that at four of these parishes he served daily communion and all had two services on Sundays. As the story went on…. the couple asked how he could keep serving, keep giving communion, keep saying the same words over and over, with such seemingly freshness. The priest went on to answer “But they’re never the same! Each time I say them they feel brand new.” That made me stop and think. How was it that he could perform the same things over and over, and yet each time they were never the same? Maybe it was in how he looked at what God had called him to do. As Father Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure states in his writings entitled, Trustful Surrender To Divine Providence; “To re-main indifferent to good fortune or to adversity by accepting it all from the hand of God without questioning, not to ask for things to be done as we would like, but as God wishes, to make the intention of all our prayers that God’s will should be perfectly accomplished in ourselves and in all creatures is to find the secret of happiness and content.” Who doesn’t desire happiness and contentment? Count me in for those; however, I have found it to be a big chal-lenge – to see God’s hand in my every day, in our children’s every day, and in our world events every day. Maybe that is where God’s grace enters in - to help accept - what God’s loving will is for each of us - as it unfolds in each moment of each day. “…Behold, I make all things new.” Revelation 21:5 (RSV) Cynthia Kroll - Baptism Coordinator

Parish Priest’s Corner, continued: Next weekend Holy Trinity will have the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal. Appeal funds are used to help fund Arch-diocesan offices and agencies that assist the parishes and their people. In addition, part of the funds are used to assist retired archdiocesan priests and seminarian education. The theme of the 2020 Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal is, “Show forth the love of God in our lives through service.” As you consider the amount you are able to pledge to help these ministries, please reflect on the following: Contributing to the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal is to journey with others toward Heaven. Take a moment to hon-estly examine all the God-given blessings in your life and then ask not yourself, but ask God: “What is just?” By our baptism and our confirmation in the Catholic church, each of us is called to serve as a good shepherd. We’re called not only to follow Christ but to be Christ. Please pray for the Lord’s guidance as you consider the above reflections, and please give generously according to the blessings God has given you. May God give us the grace we need each day. --Fr. Anthony Ahamefule Parish Priest

Catechesis 101

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Creed: Following the homily is the Profession of Faith, or Creed. On Sundays and major feasts, we respond to God’s word by professing our belief in the great mysteries of our faith, reciting together “the rule of faith.” Either of two creeds may be professed at Mass. The older of them, the Apostles’ Creed, was once attributed to the Apostles themselves and has its origins in the professions of the Rite of Baptism. It is particularly appropri-ate during the Easter season, when we recall our Baptism. The Apostles’ Creed also forms the outline for the summary of the Church’s belief in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Nicene Creed has its origins with the Council of Nicaea in the fourth century, but did not take its final form for more than a century. It contains the most succinct summary of what we believe as Catholics. When the Ni-cene Creed is proclaimed, all bow from the waist at the words and by the Holy spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man; but on the solemnities of the Annunciation and of the Nativity of the Lord, all genuflect. An ancient tradition also suggests that all bow at mention of the incarnation of Jesus Christ as man. Both of these creeds may be found in the missalettes located in the pews.

Catechetical Nuggets

Our parish recommendations on FORMED this week:

For Children For Adults

Go to holytrinitybandon.formed.org to create your own FORMED account and log in.

You may do this simply with a valid email address. This will give you access to hundreds

of great resources: movies, documentaries, audio drams, audio and e-books.

The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes is on February 11, and to celebrate we invite you to join us in watching the film “Bernadette” on formed.org. From Jean Delannoy, one of France's foremost filmmakers, comes this top quality feature film production of the story of St. Bernadette and the appari-tions of Our Lady of Lourdes. It is highly recommended by the Vatican as a "sensitive portrayal of a very moving story that deserves a wide audience." Shot on location in France with outstanding cinematography and a beautiful music score, this is the film that was chosen to be shown daily at the shrine in Lourdes. 2 hours

The Saints and Heroes Collection Bernadette: The Princess of Lourdes It's February 11, 1858. Three girls from Lourdes, France, gather firewood in front of a grotto. Suddenly one of them, Bernadette Soubirous, 14, drops to her knees, gazes ecstatically at something beautiful that only she can see, and starts to pray. Soon the town buzzes: Has Bernadette, poor, sickly, and always behind in school, really seen a Lady from Heaven? Then a spring bubbles up from nowhere and withered arms and sightless eyes are cured.

At last, the Lady tells Bernadette her name: "I am the Immaculate Conception.”

Bernadette: The Princess of Lourdes, is the exciting true story of a visit by the Queen of Heaven that left the entire world a source of health for body and soul. 30 minutes

February 11 is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes!

Page 7: Holy Trinity St. John Catholic Church the BaptistGayle Wilcox, Owner -Designer (541) 332 - 0445 P.O. Box 769 311 6th Street

We warmly welcome these new members of the Holy Trinity Parish family:

Kim Graves Preston (PK) & Christine Devereaux and their son Tre Tom & Penny Sheehan Greg & Denise Daigre and their son Nathan Larry & Ann Davis Sean Halvorson, Sage Gang-Halvorson, and their daughter Ember Gregorio & Belia Pelayo Larry & Kathi Merritt

We are so pleased to share in the love of Christ with you.

Next weekend is Commitment Weekend for the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal. During Mass we will watch a video from Archbishop Sample about the Appeal. If you received a personalized commit-ment card in the mail, please bring it to Mass with you as we join together to support our Catholic Church in western Oregon. If you did not receive a commitment card in the mail, pledge envelopes will be available during Mass.

This week please read the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal materials you receive in the parish bulletin today and prayerfully reflect on the level of commitment you will make Next weekend. This year’s appeal video features Holy Trinity parish. It is a blessing for us that, of all the parishes in the archdiocese, Holy Trinity is among those represented to be seen by every parish in the Portland Archdiocese. This appeal provides substantial financial support to essential parish ministries through programs providing education and faith formation at all levels and a Catholic presence for tens of thousands of people.

When we stop to count our abundant blessings, we are aware of how truly blessed we are. The Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal is an invitation to share your blessings and support for the Gospel mission here in western Oregon. Your pledge is also a sign of your gratitude for God’s generous abundance. While we can never out-do God in generosity, we are called to join in the mission of the Gospel as we put forth the gifts of life, goodness, and grace through the sharing of our own blessings from God.

National Marriage Week ~ February 7-14

This is National Marriage Week! To celebrate, we are sharing some of the most popular marriage tips. You can subscribe to these tips at foryourmarriage.org. • As Valentine’s Day approaches, give your spouse a gift of memory. If you haven’t already, memorize your

wedding vows. Few people like to memorize but it’s a way to keep your vows always in mind. • Talk behind your spouse’s back…to God. If there is something your spouse is struggling with or trying to

discern, your prayers on their behalf are very important. • “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” (Mk 1:15) Any two people who live as closely as husband and wife are

bound to emotionally hurt each other at times. It may be a careless word or wanting your way. Don’t be too proud to repent. “I’m sorry” is the first step; making amends is the next.

• National Marriage Week is a great opportunity to reconnect with your spouse. Take advantage of the short,

cold days to spend time together. Talk, dream, or just be in each other’s presence. Pray to rekindle your love. • “And you yourself a sword will pierce,” the prophet Simeon says to Mary (Lk 2:35). Are you or your spouse

carrying a heavy burden, a painful ache in your heart? Pray to Mary for help in bearing your suffering well. She knows our pain.

• “Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in kindness” (Ps 103:8).

In these words, God gives married couples a blueprint for life together! Ask the Lord for help to love your spouse as God loves him/her.

Page 8: Holy Trinity St. John Catholic Church the BaptistGayle Wilcox, Owner -Designer (541) 332 - 0445 P.O. Box 769 311 6th Street

Who was Saint Valentine and how did he come to inspire Valentine's Day?

In the early martyrologies, three different St. Valentines are mentioned, all sharing Feb. 14 for a feast day. Unfortunately, the historical record is sparse. The first St. Valentine was a priest and physician in Rome. He along with St. Marius and his family comforted the martyrs during the persecution of Emperor Claudius II, the Goth. Eventually, St. Valentine was also arrested, condemned to death for his faith, beaten with clubs, and finally beheaded on Feb. 14, AD 270. He was buried on the Flaminian Way. Later, Pope Julius I (333-356) built a basilica at the site which preserved St. Valentine's tomb. Archeological digs in the 1500s and 1800s have found evidence of the tomb of St. Valentine. However, in the thirteenth century, his relics were transferred to the Church of Saint Praxedes near the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where they remain today. Also, a small church was built near the Flaminian Gate of Rome which is now known as the Porta del Popolo but was called in the 12th century "the Gate of St. Valentine," as noted by the early British historian William Somerset (also known as William of Malmesbury, d. 1143), who ranks after St. Bede in authority. The second St. Valentine was the Bishop of Interamna (now Terni, located about 60 miles from Rome). Under the orders of Prefect Placidus, he too was arrested, scourged, and decapitated, again suffering persecution during the time of Emperor Claudius II. The third St. Valentine suffered martyrdom in Africa with several companions. However, nothing further is known about this saint. In all, these men, each named St. Valentine, showed heroic love for the Lord and His Church. The popular customs of showing love and affection on St. Valentine's Day is almost a coincidence with the feast day of the saint: During the Medieval Age, a common belief in England and France was that birds began to pair on Feb.14, "half-way through the second month of the year." Chaucer wrote in his "Parliament of Foules" (in Old English): "For this was on Seynt Valentyne's day, when every foul cometh ther to choose his mate." For this reason, the day was dedicated to "lovers" and prompted the sending of letters, gifts, or other signs of affection. While it seems that the exchange of "valentines" is more the result of secular custom rather than the memory of St. Valentine, and that the celebration has been further paganized with cupids and the like, there is a Christian message that should be remembered. The love of our Lord, depicted beautifully in the image of His most Sacred Heart, is a sacrificial, self-less, and unconditional love. Such is the love that each Christian is called to express in his own life, for God and neighbor. Clearly, St. Valentine, no matter which one, showed such a love, bearing witness to the faith in his dedication as a priest and in the offering of his own life in martyrdom. On this Valentine's day, looking to the example of this great saint, each person should offer again his love to the Lord, for only by doing so can he properly love those who are entrusted to his care and any other neighbor. Each person should again pledge his love to those loved ones, praying for their intentions, promising fidelity to them, and thanking them for their love in return. Never forget Jesus said, "This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. There is no greater love than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends" (Jn 15:12-13). St. Valentine fulfilled this command, and may we do the same. https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/history-of-st-valentine.html