Lovers, youth reminded to maintain chastity in relationship on V Day

MANILA, Feb. 13, 2012—It’s that time of the year again when flowers, chocolates, and even motels and condoms are highly marketable among those who are “in a relationship,” which is why a ranking Church official reminded lovebirds, especially the young, to remain pure and chaste in love amid the commercialization of Valentine’s Day.

Fr. Conegundo Garganta, executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY), warned unmarried lovers against giving into their curiosity and drive for adventure to indulge on what only married couples are entitled to engage in: sex.

“Valentine’s Day is branded as a day that we show love for someone dear to us. This is not a day to take advantage of them,” he said.

The priest from the Diocese of Antipolo said it’s about time for people to veer away from the commercialization of Valentine’s Day. He said showing love and giving importance to one’s special someone can be expressed in various ways than how society dictates.

Garganta instead urged lovers to use the opportunity of the season to deepen their love for each other.

“This day should not be an occasion where lovers will give into curiosity and adventure disregarding the commitment and responsibility that it entails. Instead, this should be an opportunity for unmarried couples to deepen their love for each other and achieve an equal understanding of their relationship,” he said.

And to those who are “single” or “on their own” when most are spending Valentine’s Day with their special someone, Garganta has this to say to them: “Do not be sad.”

He said single men and women that are not yet committed in a romantic relationship should still celebrate Valentine’s Day.

“Being single should not make one feel that their lives are incomplete or that Valentine’s Day should be a day to mourn than to be celebrated. Besides, not being in a relationship doesn’t mean you are less capable of loving or being loved,” he said.

“Instead, celebrate Valentine’s day in a different perspective. Consider it a new day with a challenge to maintain good relationship with family and friends and to reach out to those who are less cared for, those who are loved less,” he added. (YouthPinoy)