Dwynwen, a princess living in 5th century Wales, was the most beautiful of King Brychan Brycheiniog’s 24 daughters. She fell in love with Maelon Dafodrill. but unfortunately her father had already arranged for her to marry another prince. Devastated, Dwynwen begged God to help her. She was visited by an angel who gave her a potion to help her forget Maelon, and Maelon was turned into a block of ice.

God granted Dwynwen three wishes. Her first wish was that Maelon be thawed; her second wish was for God to help all true lovers; her third wish was that she would never marry. In an act of gratitude, Dwynwen became a nun and set up a convent on Llanddwyn Island where she devoted her life to God.

Dydd Sant Ffolant is known as Saint Valentine’s Day in English and is celebrated by many people across the world. It commemorates two Christian martyrs but has in more recent times become a chance to treat the loved ones in our lives with gifts and cards.