Did you know that St Valentine is laid to rest in Dublin?

John Sprat was an Irish Carmelite that was known for his abilities as a preacher and dedicated work with the destitute in the city of Dublin.  While visiting Rome, his fame had apparently preceded him, and he became hot on the Jesuit circuit, giving sermons and receiving tokens of esteem from his peers.

One of the more impressive tokens he was gifted were the remains of Saint Valentine by Pope Gregory XV1.

Today the shirne is popular with couples who come to pray for St Valentine to watch over their lives together and to celebrate the feast day of February 14th which includes the Blessings of the Rings for those about to marry.  This shrine is today in Whitefriar Street Church Dublin.

So what does this particular collection of St Valentine relics contain?  According to an inscription on a gold plate attached to the casket -

This shrine contains the sacred body of Saint Valentinus the Martyr, together with a small vessel tinged with his blood.