Let Ash Wednesday Bump Saint Valentine's Day

[Michie]

This year, February 14 presents a conundrum for some Catholics. Saint Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday are on the same day. If you want to have a nice Saint Valentine's Day date with dinner, chocolates, candy or dessert, it can't be on Wednesday because on Ash Wednesday we are required to fast (Roman Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59, whose health enables them to fast, are permitted to consume one full meal, along with two smaller meals, which together should not equal the full meal).

My parish priest presented a solution. He began by pointing out that Saint Valentine's Day is not as big of a deal as Ash Wednesday. He said Ash Wednesday begins the great Fast called Lent as a preparation for the holiest day of the year, Easter.

As a way to honor your love for your spouse or significant other, Fat Tuesday would be the ideal day to go out and celebrate. Traditionally, Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gra is an occasion of excess - reflecting the practice of the last night of consuming rich, fatty foods in preparation for the fasting season of Lent. Dinner, chocolates and desserts would fit right in on this day. Father then said, “Uh no! On Wednesday, I won’t be making a shape of a heart with the ashes on your foreheads…don’t even ask!”

Continued below.

Let Ash Wednesday Bump Saint Valentine's Day

This year, February 14 represents a conundrum for some Catholics. It's both Valentines Day and Ash Wednesday. Our parish priest offered a solution.

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