When we think of Valentine?s Day, we often think of flowers, chocolates, special cards, poems and a night out. These symbols are all expressions of how we feel about a particular person. As we say to someone through these symbols « Be my Valentine », we are simply stating, « You are loved ».

Symbols are a good way to express our feelings, but they can only do so up to a point. The rings that we exchange at a marriage, for instance, are a symbol of unending love and faithfulness. But we know that marriages fail.

We are living in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile to women and girl children. The scourge of HIV and Aids seems to go on unabated.

What if this could also become a day in which married and engaged couples, and all who have been slain by Cupid?s arrow, make a fresh commitment of love, respect and faithfulness ?

We need to re-evaluate how we see these virtues, and Valentine is a good day for this.

Mothers? Union, Diocesan Church House, rue Saint Paul, Vacoas.