By PJ Usanga
As Nigerians join the rest of the world to celebrate Valentine’s Day, the National Youth Animator, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Rev. Fr. Idoko Boniface, has urged Christians to reclaim the true essence of the celebration.
In his message to staff of CSN and agencies of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria on Valentine’s Day, Fr. Idoko, noted that the origins of Valentine’s Day are rooted in Christian tradition, which emphasizes selfless, sacrificial, and faith-based love. He explained that St. Valentine, a priest, risked his life to unite couples in marriage, demonstrating that “true love is selfless, sacrificial, and rooted in faith” (Jn 15:13).
The Church’s Youth Animator, lamented that the celebration of Valentine’s Day has been hijacked by indecent and immoral behaviors, including sexual promiscuity and reckless abuse of substances. He emphasized that “every true love has its origin in God, and anything that brings dishonor to God is not true love.”
The Clergy challenged Christians to reclaim the true essence of Valentine’s Day by prioritizing respect, care, and commitment in their relationships. He also encouraged meaningful interactions, such as offering free services, creating quality time with the aged, and forgiving those who have hurt them.
Urging Christians to recommit themselves to serving others in love, Fr. Idoko called for selfless, unconditional, and eternal love of Christ.
