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Can I Celebrate Valentine’s Day On Ash Wednesday?

Michie

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Question that’s been generating some unnecessary panic: Is it okay for a Catholic to celebrate Valentine’s day, birthdays, anniversaries, or other special events that happen to fall on Ash Wednesday or Good Friday?

Short answer: In the United States, at present yes in fact you can, though with some restrictions.

Here are the details.


#1 It’s always better to fast as fully as possible.​


If your health and state in life allow it? Nothing but prayer, water, and works of mercy for you. (And the Eucharist of course!) That’s not a requirement, but it’s an ideal worth approaching. For some of you with a history of eating disorders or perfectionism-related mental health issues, your correct approach is to simply follow the rules set forth by your bishops’ conference and offer up your genuine sorrow that a stricter fast simply is not the prudent course.

#2 Your state in life makes a difference.​


Continued below.