"Love and Lent: Navigating Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day"
This year, February 14 marks the rare occurrence of both Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday, a significant day for Christians. Ash Wednesday, which signals the start of Lent, involves fasting and reflection, with ashes typically drawn on the forehead to symbolize human mortality. While some churches make their own ashes from palm leaves, others purchase them. Catholic Bishop Richard Henning emphasizes the importance of prioritizing Ash Wednesday over Valentine's Day, urging celebrations to take place on Mardi Gras instead. The history of St. Valentine and the origins of Valentine's Day are rooted in the liturgical feast day of a third-century Christian martyr.