Mary's Blog

A brilliant Jewish doctor I know adheres strictly to the 613 mitzvoh. And he won't say or write the word, "Christmas". He avoids me for fear he'll catch Christianity from me.  I carry the disease for which this medic knows no cure. But because he thinks of St Valentine as a romantic fable, he is happy to celebrate the day openly. Ho, ho, I have heard tell he gives out red roses to his staff!  Oh, but he's not alone. 250 million roses are sold in the US every February 14th, the day that Valentine was beaten with clubs and then decapitated under Emperor Claudius II.  Back in St Valentine's Day, 1757 years ago, red roses were woven into wreaths for the martyrs, to be worn on the head, symbolizing the red crown of martyrdom.  Were people like the good doctor to do some study of the Traditional Latin Mass offered in honor of St Valentine, they may not be so quick to mark the day with blossoms and chocolate. The Introit brings to mind the Saint in glory for having g...