Lenten Twists on Valentine's Day Celebrations

Here are some Lenten twists on the traditional Valentine's celebrations:

• Fast from artificial light after sundown. Instead of watching TV or using electronics, enjoy quiet conversation and prayer together by candlelight or cozied up next to the fire.
• Ditch the traditional “sweets” like chocolates or champagne and make “sweet” notes of affirmation and encouragement for each other to find and and savor.
• Forget the long lines at the flower shop and make a spiritual bouquet with promises of prayer and fasting for your beloved's intentions.
• OR - Go ahead and stop by flower shop and pick up a dozen roses. Then take them together to surprise someone (even a random stranger) at a hospital or nursing home, giving comfort to the sick or elderly.
• Skip the lobster and caviar dinner and opt for a simple soup supper. Head to the grocery story for a fun date to purchase food items to give to your local St. Vincent de Paul pantry.
• Incorporate prayer into your date with a visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament to pray for each other and all those dear to you. Remember the lonely and those who grieve in your prayers in a special way.

Fasting and embracing the call to conversion doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate Saint Valentine authentically; in fact, our expressions of love will be fuller if we do!