St. Valentine In Scotland

There are various accounts of the life and martyrdom of the patron saint of lovers, St Valentine, but the story of his relics is a comparatively recent one.

During the last century, a wealthy French Catholic family which had seen a number of holy relics passed down through the centuries decided to seek suitable permanent sanctuaries for the remains.

Through well-established French-Scottish religious connections, one of the last survivors of the family chose a new Franciscan church, St Francis’s, in Glasgow and the relics were duly moved there in 1868.

The relics were moved again in the last decade when the Franciscans moved to the Blessed St. John Duns Scotus church in the Gorbals district of Glasgow.

The city of Glasgow has formally recognised its connection with the Saint by launching its “City of Love” Festival, which includes fashion shows, a season of romantic films, and an art exhibition of 18th century Valentine cards. Details of events can be found at www.cityoflove.co.uk.

Since February 1, 2005