In honor of Valentine's Day, here's an editorial "factoid" not too many people are aware of.  Every February, across the world, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday?

The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.

So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young, single men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France. ----  AAA (courtesy of www.historychannel.com)

Siglet of the Week: If a man says something in the woods and there are no women there, is he still wrong? --- Anonymous

The always very punctual Auditor REGGIE was the Day Chairman and Master of Ceremonies for the day's meeting. After Pres. JEROME called the meeting ;to order, Rtn. JONG led us in a very good prayer followed by the 4-Way Test. Rtn. FREDERICK did a "snappy" good job of conducting the singing of the Pambansang Awit.

It was LADIES' DAY at this regular meeting of RCSFU.  We therefore had a table full of beautiful Rotary Anns joining us for the meeting. To do the honors of welcoming and greeting them was none other than PP KIT, who somehow has memorized all the names of the Rotary Anns.  I wonder how he did that?

Dir. JERRY brought us up-to-date on the latest plans for the upcoming Valentine's Party to be held on Tuesday evening, February 13th.  During his Friendship Session, PVP ARNOLD tried to help Pres. Gloria M. to find a suitable Rotarian for the VP job.  Some Rotarians passed the test and some did not. Pres. JEROME welcomed back all the balikbayan Rotarians, and there were several of them present for the meeting (welcome home guys). Then Pres. JEROME, because of his love and admiration for the Guest Speaker, started some introductions.

It was PP FERDINAND who had the honor of introducing our Guest of Honor and Speaker, Mrs. Blanchita "Ching" Ignacio, who is the President of The Association of Non-Government Organizations (TANGO).  No, my friends, Mdme. Ching told us that this TANGO is not a dance, but an association of various NGOs from through La Union.  RCSFU being one of them. Mdme. Ching talked about the various programs and projects of TANGO in a very well prepared and delivered speech.     

Our Guest Speaker answered a few questions from the audience and then after that the always honorable PP MARC gave the appropriate response. The meeting was adjourned at 1:53 P.M.