MANILA, Philippines - Single and dateless today Valentine’s Day? Don’t despair for there’s always hope with prayer.

Fr. Melvin Castro, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Family and Life (CBCP-ECFL), said single men and
women should not feel envious if other people have a date or already have a lifetime partner today.

He said that if one prays hard for it, the partner they’ve been hoping to spend Valentine’s Day with will come in time.

“That is something that you should pray for. Others, especially the youth, might say that this is corny, but finding a suitable and worthy partner is really something that we ask from God,” he said.

The CBCP official said people rushing to meet their mate – either because they are aging or for some other reason – are the ones who often commit mistakes in love.

“Don’t rush because when it comes to love, there is no such thing as late age,” Castro said. “So be very discerning, responsible, and prayerful.”

But even if one ends up single for the rest of his or her life, Castro said, this should not be a reason to be lonely, saying not everyone is meant for marriage.

“There are other ways one can also express their love through their friends or nieces so they should not be lonely,” he said.

“All those who are single should just go on a group date and bond,” he said.

Saint Valentine’s Day

In the Catholic faith, today is the feast of the patron saint of lovers, Saint Valentine.

Church officials said people should remember that the day is not simply about dates, love poems, greeting cards, flowers, chocolates and sweet text messages.

“Wish each other ‘Happy St. Valentine’s Day!’ instead of the usual ‘Happy Valentine’s Day!’ to help bring the deeper meaning of the day into focus,” they said.

Commemorative masses, novenas, and special prayers will be offered in several Catholic churches in the country and across the world in honor of the holy priest and illustrious Roman martyr.

Mass weddings and renewal of vows are also traditionally held today, Valentine’s Day.

In Dublin, Ireland, the sacred relics of St. Valentine, together with a small vessel tinged with his blood in a wooden case, are traditionally carried in a procession on his feast day.

A special mass for young people and lovers follows the event.

The observance of St. Valentine’s feast was established by Pope Gelasius I on Feb. 14, 496 A.D. in memory of the kind-hearted Roman priest who was arrested, clubbed, and eventually beheaded for marrying Christian couples, helping martyrs in prison, and for refusing to renounce his faith during the reign of Emperor Claudius II.

Historical accounts have it that St. Valentine, while still in jail, converted his jailer to Christianity by restoring the eyesight of his blind daughter.

Before St. Valentine was beheaded on Feb. 14, 269, he wrote a farewell note to her and signed it: “From Your Valentine.”

He was buried on the Flaminian Way in Rome, Italy, where a basilica was built in his honor and memory.

With his association with romance comes the belief that in the month of February, birds choose their mates, hence, St. Valentine’s association with love birds and doves, as well as the color red, which is both the color of martyrs and love.

President Aquino, dateless?

President Aquino will be working today, but has kept mum on whether or not he would share a romantic dinner with a “special someone.”

Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Abigail Valte said it will be a usual hectic working day for the President today, even though it is the day of the hearts.

Aquino is scheduled to inaugurate the upgraded facilities of the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City.

He will inspect the hospital’s improved radiology department, birthing center, central sterilization unit, among others, in line with its commitment to provide quality health care to patients.

“In the same way President Aquino’s birthday was a regular day for him, Valentine’s Day is also a regular working day for the President,” Valte said over state-owned Radyo ng Bayan.

She said it was up to the President if he would answer queries about his personal life, including whether or not he will ask somebody out on a date.

“We don’t know anything about the President’s personal life. Only the President can respond to reports coming out in the media. We will just ask the President if he wants to answer,” she said.

The 51-year-old bachelor leader, who recently bought a 2007 Porsche, is reportedly dating a pretty stockbroker in recent weeks since he broke up with Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani Soledad last year.

The President, however, has not yet confirmed if he has a new girlfriend and has repeatedly asked for privacy when it comes to his personal life.

Recently, the President appealed to the media to give more attention to important issues apart from his intriguing personal life. He lamented that the media has ignored the good news happening in the country since his administration started last year.

“I always make it a point to remind our friends in media to help elevate the level of discourse in our country. And while I accept that there are certain things about my private life that will always be of interest to the public, it would be better if you give the same amount of attention to issues that matter as well,” he said. (With reports by Christina I. Hermoso and Genalyn D. Kabiling)