Every year on February 14, on Valentine’s Day, lovers wonder what to give the person with whom they share their lives.
Without a doubt, the most beautiful gift we can give the person we love is our time, the time of authentic love. But it is also wonderful to celebrate love with a symbolic gift, whose value is not tied to its price but to its meaning.
We can give the person we love an object that embodies the meaning of protection, love, and guardianship. The jewelry from the “Custodi” collection makes us think precisely of this: each of us can care for the lives of the people we love, thus becoming the guardian of their souls. Custodi is a precious gift to remember and remind others of the love that binds us; it is an invitation to let ourselves be embraced by God’s love.
Or we could give one or more monastery products: aromatic soaps, jams, creams, and herbal teas to show the person we love the care and affection that involve both the soul and the body.
Another beautiful gift we can give is the Saint Rita ring. The ring reminds us that true love requires fidelity. In particular, Saint Rita’s ring is a symbol showing that to give and receive true love, we must act with the deep and sincere faith that Rita lived and passed on.
But… why was Saint Valentine chosen as the patron saint of lovers in particular?
Valentine is said to have been born in Terni in 176 AD; after becoming bishop of the city, he dedicated his life to protecting and helping Christians, safeguarding them from persecution. He was tortured and martyred under Emperor Aurelian.
He was the first religious figure to celebrate a marriage between people of different religions: Sabinus, a pagan legionary, and Serapia, a young Christian woman suffering from tuberculosis. Legend has it that the two newlyweds died embracing each other during Valentine’s blessing.
Another legend tells that one day Valentine saw two lovers arguing; he approached them with a rose in his hand and, holding the stem of the rose together with them, blessed them. Some time later, on February 14, the two had Valentine marry them. From that day on, every 14th of the month, couples in love would go to him for a blessing.
We celebrate love on Valentine’s Day and every day!
