Jesus changes everything

What connection could possibly exist among a bawdy Roman fertility festival, the deaths of holy saints, a sentimental holiday, and the birthday of a modern child? Let me write the ways.

We begin with Lupercalia. Although its origins are thousands of years hazy, we do know that it was celebrated in mid-February from prior to Julius Caesar — it is mentioned in Shakespeare’s historical play of the same name — to its outlawing, attributed to Pope Gelasius in the 5th century. Also hazy are the reasons for its official demise: some say it was due to the pope’s moral exasperation with indecent god-worship to make way for a Christian feast; some say not.

The ceremony involved naked young men sacrificing goats, and then running a course while waving around the goat skins. Women lined the path’s edges, presenting themselves to be smacked by the skins, hoping for good luck in childbirth or to be purged from the bad luck of infertility.

Afterward, spectators and participants lounged about the cave where Romulus and Remus were rumored to have been nursed by a she-wolf (Lupus, hence the festival’s name), flirting, eating and hopefully getting those longed-for babies coming. Then in AD 278, during the celebration of Lupercalia, a rebellious priest named Valentine was imprisoned, beaten and beheaded by Claudius the Cruel.

The Saints Valentine were actually several martyred priests of the Roman Empire, of whom are told legendary stories of daring, rebellion and romance: performing secret weddings, aiding prison escapes, and penning notes from behind bars on heart-shaped leaves signed, “from your Valentine.” At least one of them was killed on Feb. 14, and it could be his feast day that replaced Lupercalia, per Pope Gelasius’ decree.

In 1836, human remains excavated from the catacombs as well as a small church were identified as Valentine’s (probably the one martyred in AD 278 under Claudius’s rule). There are reliquaries and shrines dedicated to Valentine from Rome to Ireland. Although removed from the General Roman Calendar of feast days, the name is listed under Feb. 14 in the Roman Martyrology and is honored in the Anglican Church as well. The good saints are still venerated as part of the liturgical rhythm. Then 800 years ago, a man gave poetic voice to his feelings on fowl and love.

Geoffrey Chaucer’s 14th century poem, The Parlement of the Foules, contains several mentions of Saint Valentine’s Day as the placement for his dream’s parliament, including the couplet, “For this was on Saint Valentine’s Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate (Visit bit.ly/1E01pst for a translation of this charming poem.).” His connecting the name of the loving saints with species of birds choosing worthy mates draws a direct line to our modern time.

From this, our current celebration of love pursued and proclaimed hails. Many special friendships commenced with cards (to the tune of 190 million a year) and dinners; many relationships deepened with diamonds and proposals; many marriages were made and anniversaries honored on this day. Then very recently, a baby was born.

On Valentine’s Day a few years ago, this married couple, grateful to God for healthy fertility (that thankfully did not involve dances with bloody goat skins), welcomed a new soul to the world. Our adorable Adah Marie was born Feb. 14, and I shamelessly dress her in red and pink hearts as much as possible (at least for as long as she’ll allow!).

Like women 3,000 years ago, I am glad for good luck in childbirth and rejoice in the blessing of a child. We appreciate the prayers of the saints Valentine and tell her their stories often. A favorite family children’s book is “Saint Valentine,” by Robert Sabuda, beautifully illustrated in mosaics. They have quite a story of fearless love and courage; I am proud to call my children’s attention to Valentine and to ask for their prayers for our own courage and charity.

Even in pagan Rome before the life of Jesus was known, people desired love and children, meaning and ceremony, fun and entertainment, beauty and alleviation of suffering. These universal desires of the human heart from time immemorial find rest and fulfillment in the Son of God. (Yes, there’s plenty of fun and entertainment with all the Church’s feasts and festivals.)

He’s been here all along creating, touching, teaching, weeping and saving. The connection among humanity’s festivals, martyrs, sentiments and babies is True Love. Jesus changes everything.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Eighty-six years I have served him and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and Savior? (Polycarp, moments before his execution.)

Grow old along with me; the best is yet to be. (Robert Browning)

Adah Marie, sweet as can be. (Me, in a little tune I sing to her)