Peace and love

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

How ironic it is that, as lovers the world over are scrambling for ways in which to express their affection for the people closest to them on this day, countries continue to be at odds with each other and, in some, people of the same race and nationality also kill each other without compunction.

Imagine how peaceful life would be for everyone if we would all be infected by the love, concern and willingness to sacrifice that the saint, after whom this day is named, showed to all that he came in contact with in his time.

There are many stories, and different versions as well, with some legends creeping in, about St. Valentine who was a holy man, and to whom God is believed to have given the power of healing. He was supposed to have caused physical healing to some people, among them a young girl who was blind and who recovered her sight when he prayed for her. Perhaps this generation should also pray for the intercession of this saint to heal, not only our mortal aches, but the rifts that have been growing among peoples, and nations, and even among those who belong to the same country but rent apart by religion or ideology.

Now that we are approaching another election, and everybody is talking about unity, let us hope and pray that the love for his fellowmen that St. Valentine had manifested will enter into the hearts of all those participating in the exercise so that we will go through it peacefully, and without the violence and conflicts, as well as mistrust and suspicions, that had characterized previous ones.

The Lord has said, "Love one another as I have loved you". With that as the touchstone of our existence in this world, we will surely see an end to all the rivalries, the treacheries and the wars that have been plaguing our generation and could even worsen in the next.*