Feast of Saint Blaise

(d. 316 A.D.)

Saint Blaise was the bishop of Sebaste in Armenia.  When the emperor Diocletian waged his cruel persecution against the Christians, the saint hid himself in a cave on Mount Argeus, and there he remained some time concealed, but was at length discovered by some soldiers of the governor Agricolaus, while they were hunting.  They led him to the governor, who gave orders that he should be put into prison.

During his imprisonment, many sick people, attracted by the reputation of his sanctity, came to him, and he healed them.  Among these was a boy, whose life was despaired of by the physicians, on account of his having swallowed a bone, which could not be extracted from his throat.

The saint was twice brought before the governor, but neither fair promises nor threats could induce him to offer sacrifice to the gods.  Whereupon, he was first beaten with rods, and then his flesh was torn with iron hooks while he lay stretched on the rack.  At length he was beheaded, and nobly gave testimony to the faith of Christ our Lord, on February 3.

Blaise is known as the patron saint of throat ailments, physicians, woolcombers, and wild animals.  His feast is commemorated with the Blessing of the Throats, and is celebrated on February 3rd.

Credit: Text taken from The Liturgical Year by Dom Prosper Gueranger; TAN Books, https://tanbooks.com/

Information herein posted under the "rules of fair use" to foster education and discussion in accordance with Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976.

Father of mercy and God of all consolation, graciously look upon me and impart to me the blessing which flows from this holy Sacrament.”

Prayer of St. Blaise

Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness:  In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.”

Blessing of throats and other illnesses

Saint Blaise, Bishop, Martyr, Patron of Throat Ailments, pray for us.

Be not afraid!  And may the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones today and always.  Holy Family pray for us.  Amen.