Valentine’s and the Emerald Isle. Did you know?

The Shrine to Saint Valentine, Dublin

Everyone knows of St. Patrick’s contributions to Ireland but most don’t know of another Saint with his own holiday that has a connection to the emerald Isle.  Some of the remains of the Patron Saint of Love reside in Whitefriar St. Church in Dublin City. And who is the Patron Saint of Love? I think you already know. Saint Valentine of course. Before reaching sainthood, Valentine was famous for performing marriages in the roman empire during a time when marriage was illegal. Due to this breaking of the law, he was imprisoned which eventually lead to his death. 

Throughout the centuries since Valentine received martyrdom there have been various basilicas, churches and monasteries built over the site of his grave. During a renovation his remains were discovered and preserved by the Catholic Church. 

Saint Valentine never visited Ireland himself, but in 1835 an Irish Carmelite by the name of John Spratt visited Rome. His fame as a preacher spread while there and he came to the attention of Pope Gregory XVI (1831-1846) who was so impressed by his sermons that he gifted Father Spratt with the heart of Saint Valentine as a token of esteem.  Father Spratt became the founder of Whitefriar church and brought the remains back with him to Dublin. Today they are displayed in a shrine to Saint Valentine within the church. 

The Shrine to Saint Valentine within the church is not a very well-known historical site but many travel to the church on February 14th for the special masses held there. Every year these masses honour Saint Valentine and throughout the year many romantic couples visit the church to receive a special “Blessing of the Rings”. Individuals seeking to find true love also make a Christian Pilgrimage to the church and pray at the shrine in hopes of finding true love.