Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church, Catholic church in central Dublin, Ireland.
Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church is a Roman Catholic church on the site of a pre-Reformation Carmelite priory built in 1539. The present structure dates from 1825 and was designed by George Papworth, who also designed St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral; it was extended in 1856 and 1868. Inside are the relics of Saint Valentine, a life-size oak figure of Our Lady of Dublin, and relics of Saint Albert.
A Carmelite priory stood on this site before the Reformation, built in 1539. The present church dates from 1825 and was designed by George Papworth, who also designed St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral in Dublin. It was extended and enlarged in 1856 and again in 1868. In the 19th century Pope Gregory XVI donated the relics of Saint Valentine, transferred from the cemetery of St. Hippolytus in Rome.
The church's name recalls the White Friars, the Carmelites whose priory stood here before the Reformation. Its best-known draw is the relic of Saint Valentine, given by Pope Gregory XVI in the 19th century and kept in a shrine; couples and pilgrims come to see it. On 7 August, the feast of Saint Albert, his relic is dipped in the water of Saint Albert's Well, which the Carmelites say brings healing of body and mind.
The church stands on Whitefriar Street, a short walk south of St Stephen's Green in central Dublin. It is an active parish church, so visits are best timed around Mass rather than during services. The 1825 Papworth interior and the side chapels are the parts to look for once inside.
Inside the church stands a life-size oak figure of Our Lady of Dublin that has drawn visitors for generations. During certain feast days, relics of Saint Albert are dipped in water for those seeking healing and spiritual aid.
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