February 3, 2023, Blessing of St. Blaise, Holy Rosary (Sorrowful Mysteries)

On this day, February 3rd, the Catholic Church gives a “Blessing of the Throats” in honor of St. Blaise (or Blase), a fourth-century physician, bishop, and martyr from Armenia, traditionally venerated due to many cures attributed to him.

From the eighth century, St. Blaise has been invoked on behalf of the sick, especially those afflicted with diseases of the throat.

Today, on his feast day, it is customary to bless the throats of the faithful with two candles tied together with a red ribbon to form a cross. The rite of the blessing of the throats takes place before or after Mass.

The priest or deacon places the candles around the throat of whoever seeks the blessing, using the formula: “Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you free from every disease of the throat, and from every other disease. In the name of the Father and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit. R. Amen.”

Thrown into prison and arrested for his holiness, Blaise healed fellow prisoners, including saving a child who was choking on a fish bone; this led to the Blessing of Throats on Blaise’s feast day.

Blaise also had the reputation for curing sick and wounded animals.

Ave Maria!
Jesus, I Trust In You!
St. Blaise, Pray for Us!