From the crusades to the scandals under cardinal Roger Mahony, the Roman Catholic Church can’t catch a break. It’s almost no wonder that Pope Benedict XVI is resigning from leading the mess.
Not to worry though, because in light of all the skeptics’ negativity toward the church, its people are headed bravely into their Lenten season. This means that even though their pope has resigned, Catholics around the world will continue to take this season before Easter to sacrifice and reflect on their faith.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season, and Catholics communicate this day by dawning crosses made of ash on their foreheads.
This Lenten season in particular starts the day before a feast day for a Catholic, and Christians in general – saint’s feast day.
Of course, I’m referring to the February holiday that comes drenched in colors that make me think of Pepto Bismol and other unpleasant flavors: Valentine’s Day.
This trumped-up holiday has evolved from a simple memorial day in honor of a former bishop who refused to cede to the oppression of the Roman Empire way back in 270 A.D.
The bishop, Valentine, continued to marry Christians in a religious ceremony even though the Roman Empire had forbidden this practice, and for that he was martyred.
That is the basis for the holiday, and I just want to know how in the world it has evolved into a multi-billion dollar marketing event for businesses. Why does this one day in particular have the power to define all aspects of a romantic relationship?
The holiday, which originally symbolized infinite love in marriage under God for the church, nowadays represents self-indulgence, materialism and artificial emotional strains.
Even Charlie Brown wondered how Valentine’s Day came to be so commercial, much like Christmas Day.
It makes me wonder if, in light of not having a pope for a while, will Catholics take a day off from their Lenten fasts on Thursday so they too can join in on the mass consumption shared by candlelight?
In other words, will they sport their ash-made crosses on their heads all week long, or will they immediately wash them off in favor of carrying over-sized teddy bears that demand your attention by implying, “Someone obviously loves me … look at this bear”?
As far as Valentine’s Day goes, there is way too much pink, way too much faux joy and way too many unappealing public displays of affection.
The day is supposed to honor a man who was executed for practicing his faith, his religion.
Meanwhile, the average teenager would tell you that the reason Valentine’s Day is important to her is because her boyfriend says he loves her, or remembers to show up on time for a date, or buys her mass quantities of chocolate on that one day.
Paige Pelonis is a sophomore journalism and international studies double major and a contributing writer for the Daily 49er.