Queen Mathilda’s Valentine’s Day Plans

Saint Valentine’s Day has lost much of its meaning. I feel it is my responsibility as Queen to guide people according to God’s word and that of the Holy Bible. This was once a day honoring the death of the saint who not only married Christian couples, but also assisted the escape of Christians being persecuted for their faith under the Pagan Roman Emperor Claudius II. Now the celebrations are centered around flowers, chocolate, and other secular choices with the history and religious aspects of this feast day forgotten or pushed aside. This is why I feel that something must be done to preserve this rapidly fading Christian holiday.For Saint Valentine’s Day I will change the celebrations at Wallhausen, the town given to me by my husband Henry I, to promote peace, unity, and bring attention to the religious significance of this holy day.

           To have this Saint Valentine’s Day reflect our gratitude to not only Saint Valentine but to God as well, everyone’s participation is needed. As Saint Valentine is the patron saint of love, the celebration should reflect this theme. To truly be a Christian celebration it should have a charitable aspect to it. To encourage this spirit within the public, I must think of a way for the guests to participate in a  charitable act. All of the community must be involved, either through employment or as guests. This includes all ages, occupations and social class participating with activities and events appealing to all. The most effective, and admittedly fun, way of bringing a community together like this is with a festival.

               To satisfy my love for my faith and philanthropies, a festival will be thrown for the people of Wallhousen with attractions deemed acceptable to honor the memory of a saint that had chosen martyrdom over heresy in the name of love and God.

·       To begin the day, a mandatory Church service will be held so the festivities can begin with God’s blessing.

·       Afterwards the town square, prepared with booths and stages, will be the crowd’s destination.

·       Food will be provided and prepared by our own kitchens and made available to all who are hungry, regardless of payment.

o   To aid in feeding all who are there, the guests in attendance will be asked to bring a small treat or token to share with family, friends, neighbors, and strangers.

·       Since Saint Valentine is the patron saint of young people, entertainers will speak with a member of the clergy to create a captivating story to educate the youths in attendance about Saint Valentine.

o   Due to Mass being held in Latin, along with the lower classes of society not being able to read, have not heard these stories or have encountered an inaccurate account.

·       In addition to being associated with young people, Saint Valentine is also the patron saint of both love and happy marriages.

o   To bring attention to all three of his advocacies there will be a play performed to tell what is known about the story of his life, faith, and martyrdom.

To end the day the crowd will be led in a prayer to give thanks to God for our bountiful blessings
bestowed upon us, and for Saint Valentine’s sacrifices in his name.

Content: Carrie Holmes