In mid-November 2025, Carlow welcomed a special visitor from across Europe. Charel Heim travelled from Echternach, a small town in Luxembourg, whilst on a business trip to Dublin.
What brought him to Carlow wasn't business, however, but a shared heritage centred on the renowned Saint Willibrord—and the chance to meet fellow Rotarians from Rotary Carlow.
St.Willibrord's Journey
The connection between Carlow and Echternach runs deep through the legacy of Saint Willibrord, the Northumbrian missionary who became the patron saint of Luxembourg.
Willibrord spent twelve years training at the monastery of Rath Melsigi in Clonmelsh, County Carlow, before leaving on his European mission in AD690, ultimately establishing his major monastery and scriptorium in Echternach.
In 2017, this bond was formally recognised when a relic of Saint Willibrord was presented to the people of Carlow, now displayed in the Cathedral of the Assumption. The historic Rath Melsigi Cross, discovered in Carlow and dating back to Willibrord's era, serves as another tangible link between the two towns.
Naturally, Charel made sure to visit the cross during his time in Carlow, paying his respects to the saint who connects our communities across the centuries.
Friendship Through Rotary
Charel met many people during his short visit to Carlow, including Rotary Carlow's President Peter Pudaite and Treasurer Caroline Cunningham. Though our meeting was brief, it was rich with exchange.
We discussed our respective clubs, ongoing projects, and membership initiatives, and of course in the tradition of Rotary we exchanged our clubs flags.
Sprangprëssioun of Echternach
Charel shared fascinating details about Echternach's famous hopping procession, the "Sprangprëssioun," which takes place every Whit Tuesday.
This extraordinary event sees thousands of participants form rows of five or six, holding handkerchiefs as they hop to the left and right to polka music, making their way through the town to Saint Willibrord's tomb at Echternach Abbey.
As the last traditional dancing procession in Europe, it has been recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity—a living tradition that has honoured the saint for centuries.
The Story Lives On
Charel's visit served as a reminder that Rotary's spirit of international friendship extends beyond service projects to embrace shared history and cultural heritage.
The ties between Carlow and Echternach, strengthened by official visits including that of Her Excellency Florence Ensch, Ambassador of Luxembourg to Ireland and ongoing scholarly exchange continue to flourish through connections like these.
The author wishes to thank Dermot Mulligan of Carlow County Museum for providing photographs and factual information regarding Saint Willibrord.
Additional Sources
- St Willibrord and His Carlow Connection (2017)
- The Relic of St Willibrord
- Rath Melsigi Cross Restored and Friendship Agreement Signed
- Visit Luxembourg - Dancing Procession
- Rotary Echternach et Moselle
- Her Excellency, Florence Ensch, Ambassador…
- St Willibrord Biannual Lecture 2022
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