ROME, FEB 14: The central Italian town of Terni, birthplace of the third century martyr Saint Valentine, has organised a series of religious and other events in honour of the `patron saint of lovers', whose feast day falls today.The town which lies in the province of Umbria, about 100 km north of Rome has spared no effort to do justice to its illustrious son, who is one of the best known saints in the Christian calendar.
Love with a capital `L' is the central theme of the celebrations which began during February beginning.
Cupids, hearts and flowers decorate the streets leading to the historical centre of the town. Walking up the main street, renamed `Lovers' street', for the occasion visitors can read a succession of love poems written on the ground.
As part of the programme of festivities on February 8, more than 100 couples from Italy solemnly pledged their troth in the basilica where relics of Saint Valentine are preserved.
Last year, about 60,000 young lovers from Italy and other countries,notably Japan, gathered in Terni on February 14, according to Father Luigi Paoletti, the priest of Basilica.
Each year, Paoletti said he received almost 6,000 letters from lovers the world over, asking for the saint's blessing. Some of the authors were sad because they had been ditched by their loved one, others feared their marriage was breaking down, he said.
``The commercial aspect of Saint Valentine's day, should not detract from the gospel's message,'' he said. ``Love between two people cannot be confined merely to passion... It is a commitment which calls for sacrifices, like fidelity, in order to be constructive,'' he said.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
