Dear Parishioners and Friends, In today’s Gospel according to St. Luke, Jesus explains that poverty, hunger, want of necessities and suffering on this earth foretell the happiness and abundance in heaven. On the contrary, abundance, happiness and wrong use of riches in this life indicate suffering in the future life. What is our attitude toward wealth, honors and the materialistic world? How do we accept suffering, scarcities, or sickness? Do we live our lives only in worldly measurements, or are our lives a preparation for eternal life and happiness? A beautiful example of love of God, people and a proper relationship to life is today’s patron -- St. Valentine. We go back to the third century when Rome was ruled by the cruel Caesar Claudius II. He ordered that all must worship the twelve deities of paganism; however, for faith in Christ the punishment of death was threatened. St. Valentine, educated as a doctor, and of the calling of a priest and bishop, was a faithful and relentless believer in Christ, for which he was imprisoned and sentenced to death. During the last few days before his death something unusual occurred. The jail guard asked him if he would give a few lessons to his beautiful daughter Julia who was blind from birth. Valentine told her the history of Rome, of the beautiful world that God created. She could see and admire this world through his eyes. Julia asked: “Does God listen to the prayer of people?” Valentine replied: “If they pray with faith, God listens to prayers, because He wishes happiness for each person.” Julia said that she prays each day that she could see this beautiful world which Valentine described to her. Then she took his hand and said, “I believe; let us pray together that God would grant me sight.” All of a sudden, they both saw in the cell an immense brightness and Julia cried out with joy: “Dear Valentine, I can see.” The day before Valentine’s death he wrote his last farewell letter to Julia encouraging her to remain faithful to Jesus Christ. He signed the note: “From your Valentine.” He died the next day, February 14, 270, near the gateway of Rome, which since his death is called “Gate of Valentine.” He was buried in Rome. Today over his grave is the church of St. Praksedy. By the gateway Julia planted an almond tree blossoming with rose-colored flowers. Today the almond tree is a symbol of a lasting, beautiful love and friendship. February 14th is a day for lovers and a day in which sincere friends exchange gifts and greeting cards. I congratulate Franciszka and Stanis³aw Purchla who today are renewing their marital vows made sixty years ago. May God bless them abundantly in the years ahead. I thank them for their many years of involvement in the work of our parish. I think that the dinner dance organized by St. Constance School not only was entertaining, but also an opportunity to renew vows. Perhaps our school would like to continue this beautiful tradition. I think we all are for this. Parents interested in the Summer Day Camp 2010 organized in our parish for children ages 6 to 14 will take place from July 7th to July 30th. For more information call 1-773-733-2964. May Jesus bless us all and our guests who visited us today.