Feb. 3rd St. Blase

Today, we bless throats—because it’s the memorial of St. Blasé, bishop and martyr. He devoted his earlier life to the study of philosophy, and afterwards became a physician. In the practice of his profession, he saw so much, the miseries of life, and the hollowness of worldly pleasures, that he resolved to spend the rest of his days in the service of God.

Therefore, from being a healer of body, he became a physician of souls, as a priest. And then retired for a time to a cavern where he remained in prayer.

When the bishop of Sebaste died, St. Blase, much to the joy of the inhabitants of that city, was chosen to succeed him. He at once began to instruct his people, as much by his example, as by his words. Many miracles attested to his great virtues and sanctity. From all parts, the people came flocking to him for the cure of bodily and spiritual sickness.

When the governor of Cappadocia began a persecution by order of the Emperor Licinius, Saint Blase was taken into custody. After interrogation, and a severe scourging, he was taken to prison. While in custody, a mother’s only child was dying of a throat disease, and so, she threw herself at his feet, and implored his intercession. Touched at her grief, he offered up his prayers, and the child was cured.

St. Blase was brought before the governor again for further questioning, and once again was whipped-- while tied to a pillar. He was spared from drowning when thrown into a lake, but the governor ordered that he be beheaded.

In the year 316, at the execution site, he prayed aloud to God for his persecutors. In his prayer, he told those around him, that once he had died, to ask for his prayers, as they did during his lifetime.

Just before his death, Our Lord appeared to him, and said in a voice, which all bystanders heard, ---that his prayer was granted.

Since that time, people would often invoke his intercession, especially in cases of all kinds of throat problems.

Today, on this feast of St. Blasé, let us pray, that through the intercession of Saint Blase, bishop and martyr, God may deliver us free from every disease of the throat, and from every other illness.