ROME, Italy (The Adobo Chronicles, Berlin Bureau) – The Vatican is urging devout Catholics worldwide to skip celebrating Valentine’s Day this year.

February 14, 2018 is not only the Day of Hearts, but also Ash Wednesday, one of the more revered holy days in the Catholic Faith.

Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence, so Pope Francis has asked all Catholics to refrain from eating meat or engaging in corporal acts.

Restaurant Associations around the world are reporting a steep decline in the number of Valentine’s dinner reservations this year. “Our usual customers seem to be fasting this Valentine’s Day,” they said.

From dust we came and unto dust we shall return.