Blessed Are Those Who Love

February 11, 2026

Have you ever wondered what love looks like?

The reason I am asking is because on February 14, we celebrate the feast day of St. Valentine, the patron saint of love, affianced couples and happy marriages.

During my years as a priest, I have had the great honor of marrying many young couples, whose love for God, each other, their family and friends is abundantly apparent. When I look at these couples, I feel like I can see love.

Returning to my original question, St. Augustine had a slightly less traditional and more comprehensive view on what love may look like. He was quoted as saying, “What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.”

Whenever I read and reflect upon Saint Augustine’s statement, I cannot help but to think of you and the many friends of Mercy Home and Sunday Mass. You, after all, have the hands to help others, the feet to hasten to the poor and needy, the eyes to see misery and want, the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of humanity. You so generously share your time, treasures, talents and prayers with the young people of Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. And for that, you are the love that supports this mission and our Gospel work.

As we celebrate St. Valentine’s Day this year, I encourage you to think about the ways you can show love to those around you—even if it that is simply bearing witness to the suffering of those around you, lending a listening ear to a loved one, or sharing a gift with an organization that is doing good in the world. Love can take on so many forms, as St. Augustine tells us.

This month, know that the Mercy Home family is especially grateful for your support, friendship, and prayers. I wish you and those you love a very happy St. Valentine’s Day! Know that you are in my prayers and the prayers of the entire Mercy Home community of faith are with you!