With Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday falling on the same day this year, a longtime husband and wife from Phoenix had advice for younger married couples.”Pray together,” said Laura Jordan, 65, with her husband, Michael, 66, adding, “Go to church together.”
Laura and Michael Jordan stood outside St. Mary’s Basilica in downtown Phoenix at the conclusion of the noon Ash Wednesday service. Married for 32 years and lifelong Catholics, the Jordans are part of another parish but decided to visit St. Mary’s on the solemn holiday.
Ash Wednesday, when some Christians, including Catholics all over the world, observe the start of the 40-day Lenten period of penance, follows the lunar calendar, and so both special days occasionally coincide.
Making a connection
Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix Bishop John Dolan is imploring the faithful to focus on their relationship with the divine.
“The whole concept of St. Valentine was a passion, not a romantic passion, but a passion for God. Lent is the same thing. We’re supposed to rekindle that passion that we have for God,” Dolan said in an interview with The Arizona Republic.