Column: The Catholic Investor
“Will you be my Valentine?”
For many people, this question is an expression of love that is often said on the February holiday known as Valentine’s Day. Flowers are delivered, chocolate hearts fly off the shelves, and cards are signed, sealed (sometimes with a kiss), and delivered. Even though Valentine’s Day is seen as a time to express love to your significant other, it is also important to acknowledge the history of this romantic holiday and how it came to be.
One version of the origin of this day holds a special meaning for the Christian church, dating all the way back to 270A.D. During this time, the government in Rome, in the person of the emperor Claudius the Cruel, prohibited marriages because it wanted Roman men to join the military, not stay at home with their wives and families.
Even 
though marriage (and even engagement) was forbidden, a priest by the name of Valentine continued to marry Christian couples in secret. The Roman government eventually discovered his clandestine activities and executed him for breaking the law on February 14 th .
A charming part of this story is that St. Valentine, who while jailed and under sentence of death, befriended his jailer’s daughter. He reportedly left her a note which he signed “From your Valentine”. To remember his devotion to love, Valentine’;s Day was created in his honor.
A lot can be learned from St. Valentine. He knew what was right and fought for his Christian beliefs in a time when the government was brutal to those who disobeyed its edicts. Similarly, in today’s world it is important to be an advocate for what is right, just as Valentine was. Maintaining Catholic values and principles is critical to making this world a better place. Learn from Valentine’s sacrifice, and stand up for what you believe in. One way to do so is to follow the USCCB Socially Responsible Investment
Guidelines when we invest.
Thomas "Tom" Carroll, CFA, is the president of Catholic Investment Strategies, a position in which he has passionately enjoyed serving since 2012. Prior to this position,... MORE »
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