Words play a big role on St. Valentine’s Day Feb. 14 as friends and lovers exchange sweet notes to one another in honor of a 3rd-century bishop and martyr who, right before his execution, is said to have signed “Your Valentine” in a message to the jailer’s daughter, whom he had healed. Sometimes we’re blessed enough to receive a word or “Valentine” from Our Lord in prayer or Eucharistic Adoration. No matter how brief, these messages from His Sacred Heart hold powerful meaning in our lives. Remember Our Lord’s words to you by recording them in a notebook or journal like the Sacred Heart-themed options at Etsy.com and continue to reflect and pray on them as you continue the conversation with Him.
The story of St. Josephine Bakhita, who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Sudan in the 19th century, shows the importance of using your voice to fight injustice. Throughout her life she was bought and sold many times and underwent terrible torture with some of her captors. When her kinder Italian mistress had dealings in Sudan, she went without Josephine, placing her in the custody of the Canossian Sisters in Venice. There she found God and discerned a calling with the Sisters. When her mistress returned and wanted Josephine back, one of the superiors complained to Italian authorities, and a court case determined that she would be free. Sister Josephine went on to share her story with others and is now the patron saint for human trafficking victims. Remember to use your voice for the voiceless. Learn more about how the USCCB is combating this scourge and how you can help.