February 3: St. Blaise – Blessing of Throats

Saint Blaise and the Blessing of Throats

February 3^rd is the feast of Saint Blaise, Bishop of Sebaste, Armenia (modern-day Sivas, Turkey) in the 3^rd and 4^th century AD.   Noted as a physician and healer of men and animals, he lived in the remote forests of Mount Argeus.  Legend states that sick animals came to the entrance of his cave on their own for help, never disturbing his prayer.
 
In 316, Agricola, Governor of  Cappadocia sought to persecute the Christians of Armenia, and according to legend, Blaise was found when the governor’s huntsmen came upon the wild animals outside his cave.  Refusing to recant his faith, Blaise was arrested and imprisoned.  While ministering to fellow prisoners, accounts indicate that Blaise healed a young boy choking on a fishbone.  It is this healing that has led the Church to invoke Saint Blaise as the protector against injuries and illnesses of the throat.
 
Blaise died a martyr for the faith, following beatings, torture, and beheading in 316. He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers of the Church, celebrated in both the Western and Eastern churches.
 
Join us on Monday, February 3, at the 8:00 am Mass in Church, and for the Blessing of Throats.

All are invited to participate in the celebration of this beautiful Sacramental of our Catholic faith!