Published: Feb 11, 2007
It’s not high on most tourists’ list of places to visit while in Dublin, but on Valentine’s Day, by many Irish couples visit The Shrine of St. Valentine at the Whitefriar Street Church on February 14 to ask the marrying saint to bless them.
That’s because this 300-year-old Carmelite Church has been the Roman Valentine’s resting place since 1836, when Pope Gregory XVI gave some of his relics to Carmelite priest John Spratt, who was known for his eloquent sermons and his unstinting service to the poor of Dublin. After Father Spratt’s death, the relics were stored away, not to see the light of day until the mid-20th century when a shrine and altar were built to house them. On Valentine’s Day, the relics are placed on the altar for two masses and a special blessing of the rings ceremony for engaged couples.
You didn’t know that, did you? You can read more about the Irish connection to Valentine’s Day at the Irish Carmelites’ Web site.
And, as a special treat to spice up your Valentine’s Day, I’m going to share with you the recipe for the first dinner I ever made for my wife Sarah, back when we were somewhere between “friends” and “more than friends.” After this meal, I knew I had her!
I’ve also included two other recipes—seafood, in the spirit of Celtic pride—to make your Irish St. Valentine’s Day special. Enjoy!
Links
Chef Duffy's Web site
Shanachie Pub
