The Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo has urged Nigerians to use the Valentine’s Day to show love that can heal the world.
Badejo made the call on Monday in Ibadan in his message marking the Valentine’s Day titled: “Be a Valentine so that Love May Heal the World’’.
The bishop described the Valentine’s Day as a time of showing love, celebrations, and compassion.
“St. Valentine to whom the Day is associated, lived a life of selflessness and sacrifice and love which goes beyond flowers, material gifts or kiss and sex,’’ he said.
He advised that all those who celebrate Valentine’s Day should really become agents of life-giving love in all forms.
“If Valentine is truly about showing and spreading true love, then we all need it, children, youths, adults, the elderly, the dying and even the dead, all need love.
“No matter who we are – bishops, priests, pastors, politicians, businessmen, civil servants, traders, entertainers, sportsmen and artisans, young or old, we all need love to remain same.
“I have not found a better description of love than what St. Paul wrote in the Bible, in his letter to the Corinthians: “Love is always patient and kind.
“Love is never jealous; love is not boastful or conceited, it is never rude and never seeks its own advantage, it does not take offence or store up grievances.
“Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but finds its joy in truth. It is always ready to make allowances, trusts, hopes and endures whatever comes; love never ends. (1st Corinthians 13: 4-8).
“That kind of Valentine love is needed in the world today; we need it in our homes, churches, mosques, shrines and everywhere, so that our country and world can heal of all the hurts we have and be sane again,” he said.
Badejo emphasised that no one could achieve anything worthwhile and enduring without love.
He, therefore, called on everybody to welcome, celebrate Valentine love, “the true authentic love that is selfless, forgiving, empowering, affirming and life-giving.
“Valentine is not just about lovers hanging out in pairs; Valentine is also parents who selflessly care for their children with love.
“Valentine should also be celebrated with soldiers and security agents who lay down their lives to protect others and their nation.
“It is Valentine when civil servants serve the public with a genuine sense of duty; yes it is Valentine when politicians work to address the true needs of the citizens under their care.
“Authentic Valentines makes a difference in homes, families, and in the society.
“We thus need to celebrate such Valentine Days not only in February but every day of the year to make a more just, compassionate, and loving world.
“That manner of love will conquer all our greed selfishness, wickedness, hate and such love never ends, so we should get it right ahead, celebrate a good Valentine’s Day and light up the world,” Badejo said. (NAN)
