Valentine's Day Celebrations
St. Valentine
Was there really a Saint Valentine? The answer is yes, but not much is known about him. In fact, there may actually be two saints by the same name. One was a bishop of Terni, Italy, and the other a priest and physician in Rome.
Most accounts say the Saint Valentine whose feast day we celebrate on February 14 was a third-century priest who was arrested for continuing to convert people to Christianity, to marry Christian couples, and to aid Christians who were being persecuted by Claudius II in Rome. Claudius sentenced Valentine to death, and he was beaten and beheaded on February 14, 270.
So how did St. Valentine become the patron saint of love? Again, there are different stories, but the most likely traces back to the fifth century and the pagan festival of Lupercus, during which a lottery was held pairing adolescent boys and girls. In 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius outlawed the pagan ritual and replaced it with St. Valentine’s Day and with a new, chaste lottery. This time, young men and women would choose the name of a saint whom they would try to emulate during the following year.
Until 1969, St. Valentine's feast day appeared on the Church calendar, but at that time, it was replaced by the Feast Day of Ss. Cyril and Methodius. It doesn't mean St. Valentine is no longer recognized as a saint, but it is, more so, an acknowledgement that so little is known about him.
In addition to love, St. Valentine is the patron saint of marriage, engaged couples, travelers, beekeepers, and young people.
Celebrations in the Diocese of Portland
Ashland - Valentine's Take-Out Dinner Fundraiser
St. Mark Church, 13 Allen Farm Road in Ashland, will host a Valentine's Take-Out Dinner Fundraiser on Sunday, February 15. Come to the 9 a.m. Mass and then pick up your meal between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. The meal features roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots coleslaw, a roll, and a cook. The cost is $15. Please reserve your meal in advance by February 7 by calling 207-435-2591.
Falmouth - St. Valentine's Ball
Dress to the nines and dine with those you love in the spirit of Saint Valentine at the Parish of the Holy Eucharist's St. Valentine's Day Ball. The ball, which will be held February 15 at 5 p.m. at Holy Martyrs of North America Church, 266 Foreside Road in Falmouth, includes a dinner buffet featuring baked ham, roasted potatoes, peas, dinner rolls, and assorted desserts. There will also be music for dancing provided by DJ Dan Dibiase, and attendees will receive one digital portrait from Cindy Russell Photography. Tickets are $10 per person. You can register here.
Fort Fairfield - Valentine's Day Coffee Social
Following the Sunday, February 15, 8:30 a.m. Mass at St. Denis Church, 147 Main Street in Fort Fairfield, there will be a coffee social in celebration of Valentine's Day.
Frenchville - Celebration of Marriage Valentine's Day Dinner
The Christian Life Center invites all married couples to come and celebrate their marriage at a Valentine's Day Dinner for Couples on Friday, February 14, 2025. The evening will begin with Mass at 4 p.m., followed by the dinner. The Christian Life Center is located at 444 U.S. Route One in Frenchville. The cost is $50 per couple. To register: 207-543-6193. Space is limited so register early.
Houlton - Celebration of Marriage Dinner
Knights of Columbus Council 1873 will host a Celebration of Marriage Dinner at the parish center of St. Mary of the Visitation Church, 110 Military Street in Houlton. The dinner will be held on February 14 at 6 p.m. The cost is $30 per person. FMI: Dave Mueller at 859-533-9873.
Presque Isle - Knights of Columbus Valentine's Day Dinner & Social
Enjoy a baked stuff pork dinner with a baked potato and vegetable at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 12 Chapman Road in Presque. The dinner will be held Saturday, February 14, and begin with a social hour (BYOB) from 5 to 5:45 p.m. The cost of the dinner is $20.
Rumford - Family Fun Night
Children of all ages and their parents/guardians are invited to a St. Valentine's Day Family Fun Night on February 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the parish hall of St. Athanasius & St. John Church, 126 Maine Avenue in Rumford. Learn about St. Valentine, enjoy games, activities, and popcorn. Bring a dish to share.
Sanford - Valentine's Day Gala
Bid, Boogie, and Be Mine, a St. Valentine’s Day Gala will be held on Saturday, February 14, at the AMVETS post in Sanford. The evening will feature dancing, a catered dinner, a silent auction, and raffles. All proceeds benefit St. Thomas School in Sanford. This is an adult-only event sponsored by St. Thomas School and the Daughters of Isabella. The cost is $40. For tickets, contact Beth Kent at 207-749-2672.
