Saint Blaise was the bishop of Sebaste in Armenia during the 4th century. He was martyred during a persecution of Christians under the reign of the emperor Lucinius. According to various accounts, Blaise was a physician before becoming a bishop. Since the 8th century, he has been invoked on behalf of the sick, especially those afflicted with diseases of the throat because he was reputed to have saved the life of a boy who was choking. The Feast day of Saint Blaise is February 3rd.

It has become a tradition to bestow a blessing invoking his intercession on or around his feast day. This is a prayer seeking the help of God’s grace in our struggle against illness and disease. Christ and his apostles attended to the sick in their midst. Saint Blaise’s vocation as both a physician and a bishop is a reminder that the Christian community is called to attend to both the physical and spiritual needs of its members.

Being the patron saint of this afflicted with diseases of the throat, we are reminded that our throats are the origins of our voices. And while the physical health of our throats might be sound, the spiritual health of our throats may be suffering. In daily life, are our voices affirming or destructive? Do we engage in hurtful or toxic conversations? Do our voices proclaim the gospel?

While imprisoned for his faith, a compassionate woman brought two tapers to light Blaise’s jail cell. Hence it is a custom to use two candles tied with red ribbon in bestowing the blessing. The red ribbon signified his bloodshed for the sake of his Christian faith.

The Blessing of Saint Blaise will be bestowed at the conclusion of all Masses on the weekend of February 4th and 5th.