The True Meaning of Love: Honoring St. Valentine’s Legacy

Let all that you do be done in love.
– 1 Corinthians 16:14

Each year, on February 14, hearts and flowers fill the air, and love is celebrated in countless ways. Beyond the chocolates and romantic gestures, the story of St. Valentine of Rome reminds us of a deeper, divine love—one rooted in faith, sacrifice, and service to others.

The True St. Valentine: A Martyr for Love and Faith

St. Valentine was a third-century Roman priest who lived during a time of intense persecution against Christians. Despite the risks, he secretly married Christian couples, defying Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage for young soldiers. He saw love as more than an earthly emotion—it was a sacred bond, blessed by God. His unwavering faith ultimately led to his imprisonment and martyrdom, yet his legacy of selfless, Christ-centered love endures today.

Love in Action: The Mission of the Oblates

At the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, we, too, believe that love is more than words—it is a calling to serve those most in need. Just as St. Valentine risked everything to bring love and faith to others, our missionaries dedicate their lives to bringing hope, healing, and the Gospel to the world’s most abandoned. In place like:

• Zambia, we provide education and pastoral care to communities with little access to resources.
• Tijuana, Mexico, we run shelters and feeding programs for struggling families and migrants.
• Sri Lanka, we help heal the wounds of civil conflict through reconciliation and community support.
• The Philippines, we reach remote villages, offering spiritual guidance, social services, and disaster relief.

This is what it means to love as Christ loved us—to give without expecting anything in return, to uplift the broken, and to be a light in the darkness.

Will You Join Us in This Mission of Love?

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate love in its purest form—by giving hope to those in need. Your donation today can:

• Provide food and shelter to families in crisis
• Fund education for children longing for a future
• Support healthcare and pastoral care in impoverished regions
• Bring Christ’s love to those who need it most

Your gift is an act of love, a reflection of God’s grace in action. Give today and be part of a mission that truly embodies the love of Christ.