NEW YORK — For the first time since 1945, Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day. In honor of the occasion, the Franciscan Friars of Holy Name Province are inviting people to celebrate Purple Valentine’s Day by giving a special card to a loved one.
Roses are red, violets are blue. Why give a purple Valentine, with a Lenten-like hue?
Giving a Purple Valentine does more than show love for the recipient – it also gives love to someone in need. Proceeds from each Purple Valentine support Holy Name Province’s ministries, which feed, clothe and shelter more than two million children, women and men each year.
“With Valentine’s Day falling on Ash Wednesday this year, we wanted to capture the special tradition during this time of Lent, to give to charity in a special way,” said David Convertino, OFM, executive director of Holy Name Province’s Office of Development. “This beautiful Purple Valentine card will show those you care for that you understand that so many people need our help just to get through each day.”
The inside of each card reads: “This Valentine’s Day, a gift has been made in your honor to FriarWorks to feed, clothe, shelter and support the poor each day. Given by [Your name]. Happy Valentine’s Day!”
Purple Valentine cards are available for a suggested donation of $5 and can be ordered online via The Franciscan Store.
“With a Purple Valentine, you are giving needed help to the poor and honoring your special Valentine with a beautiful sign of your love for them and your compassion for others,” said David. “Join us and celebrate Purple Valentine’s Day by celebrating this great day of honoring those we love and those who need our love.”
The friars invite people to continue to share love and pray for the people in their lives throughout Lent by joining the friars in a daily retreat provided by “Lent in My Pocket.” Written to help make Lent a joyful season for readers, this small, 48-page meditation booklet contains prayers and reflections for each of the 40 days of Lent.
“Using ‘Lent in My Pocket’ is a great way to begin the day with a simple reflection for each day of Lent,” said David. “Each reflection is followed by an action thought that brings someone into your mind and heart. You can then pray for this person, or thank God for bringing this person into your life.”
“Lent In My Pocket” is available for a suggested donation of $5 via The Franciscan Store.
Related Links
- “Jesus at the Heart of Province’s Lenten Programs” – Feb. 17, 2015, HNP Today
- “Ministries Share Digital Gospel Message During Lent” – March 19, 2014, HNP Today