Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday fall on the same day this year. Author Lauren Windle reflects on this unlikely compatibility and ponders what it means for us

Today is a special day for a number of reasons. It’s Valentine’s Day. Sandwiched between Galentine’s Day and Single Awareness Day (as if single people aren’t aware), it’s the day when we recognise and celebrate romantic love by boosting the profits of greetings card companies the world over.

This year, Cupid’s arrow has fallen neatly on Ash Wednesday – the first day of Lent. Lent is the 40-day period that leads up to Easter when followers of Jesus are… (Register to read the rest of the article)