Feliz dia del amor y amistad (Happy Love and Friendship Day). I much prefer the Central American way of celebrating Valentine’s Day. The difference in the Central American name for the holiday expresses an outright inclusiveness of both romantic love and friendship. In years past at Casa Chirilagua, we celebrated this day with the women of the neighborhood commemorating the lovely gift of our friendship, woman to woman. Instead of being a day that some dread due to “love lost” or “love non-existent” all are permitted to participate in the celebration of love that is shared through the bond of friendship. When we take that perspective, we can grab hold of this holiday as a time to follow the new commandment that Christ gave his disciples, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) This year at Valentine’s Day (Day of Love and Friendship), we want to express our appreciation for the many friends of Casa Chirilagua who each teach us something about true love. We hope you will also step back and take time to meditate on and appreciate those relationships and friendships that give you life, show you God’s heart and spur you on in love.

Con Cariño,

The Casa Chiri Family