Feb 10, 2024 2 min read

With Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday falling on the same day this year, some Catholics may have been seeking dispensation of practices associated with the day that begins the Lenten season.

Bishop David Zubik of the Diocese of Pittsburgh and Bishop Larry Kulik of the Diocese of Greensburg said the day considered to be one of the most sacred of the year for Christians should take precedence, and no concessions will be granted.

“The observance of Lent, and its beginnings on Ash Wednesday, should always be of primary importance for Catholics,” Zubik said. “For that reason, although some might look for dispensation from the practices of fasting and abstinence from meat to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day, Ash Wednesday is too important, too sacred to make such a concession.

“We should also remember that St. Valentine was exactly that – a Catholic saint. He would agree that the celebration that bears his name should take a back seat to Ash Wednesday.”

Clifford Gorski, spokesperson for the Diocese of Greensburg, said that kind of dispensation cannot be granted since there are just two days in Lent in which practices such as fasting and abstinence from meat are followed – Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

“He would prefer people use the opportunity to celebrate the love of Christ by making a sacrifice as Christ made for us,” Gorski said of Kulik.

Zubik said the two events falling on the same day can serve as an opportunity for reflection. He suggested couples celebrate Valentine’s Day on Feb. 13 or the weekend before so Ash Wednesday can receive undivided attention.

“St. Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and real love always finds its source in God,” Zubik said.