Also in Chelmno this day is celebrated ceremoniously every year as for the last several centuries St. Valentine’s relics have been kept in the parish church. On the 14th February 2002, after nearly 200 years, they have been expositioned.
As Rev. Jakub Fankidejski writes in his work titled “Marvellous paintings and places of today’s Chelmno diocese” published by Pelplin in 1880 – it is the saint’s head, or rather a small fragment of it. The relic is placed in an octagonal reliquary which is made of silver, is one foot high and weighs about three pounds. On top of it there is a round dome-shaped lid where the relic is kept and where it can be seen and kissed through the glass. The relic is the size of about two fingers.”
The relic has always been famous for miracles. Around 1630 Jadwiga Dzialynska née Czarnek together with her daughter commissioned the reliquary to be made to thank for the miracle of healing.
In 1715 the Missionary Priests built a new separate altar in the parish church devoted to St. Valentine. There is a painting of the martyr’s decapitation. They were worshipped during church fetes and the first of them fell on 14th February. On the eve of the fête the reliquary was transported from the parish church to the church of the Holy Spirit.
When the church of the Holy Spirit started to diminish in the beginning of the 19th century also worshipping the martyr lost its significance and lavishness. In time it has been completely forgotten.
Today, being in possession of such extraordinary mementoes, we would like to revive the memory of St. Valentine and celebrate his noble ideas.
And so, on 14th February a ceremonial Mass is celebrated during which St. Valentine’s relics are expositioned. There are organized many valentine games and contests and the whole St. Valentine’s Day finishes with a great music concert during which a big heart made of lit lanterns is arranged on the surface of the Main Square.
Additionally, bakers and confectioner of Chelmno prepare special cakes and pastries, such as valentine rolls with lovage and other heart-shaped products.
We hope that in Chelmno  the city of Lovers® – there will always be people willing to join active leisure with sightseeing. You are especially welcome to join us on 14th February - St. Valentine’s Day – to celebrate this extraordinary holiday.