On Saturday, Feb. 3, the Church honors St. Blaise. Blaise lived in an area of modern-day Turkey. He was a philosopher and teacher of spirituality and prayer. When the local bishop died, he was selected to succeed him in that role. Blaise was known for his holiness and his care for his people.
    
There was a persecution of the Christians that took place during his time as bishop, and Blaise was arrested. As he was being led to prison, there was a mother with her only child, who was choking on a chicken bone. She brought the child to Blaise and laid her at his feet. Blaise offered prayers for the child, and the bone was expelled. Because of this, St. Blaise has become the patron saint of all who are suffering from any problems of the throat.
    
The following blessing is used on his feast day, using candles blessed on the previous day, the Feast of the Presentation. “Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and every other illness: in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
    
We will do the blessing at the Masses on Sunday.