The blessing of St Blaise

The feast of St Blaise is in a few days on February 3. Not much is known about St Blaise except that he is the patron saint of sore throats and wild animals. More is known about devotion to him rather than his life itself. On his feast day, the anointing of the sick takes place. Traditionally two candles are blessed, crossed over and pressed against either side of one’s throat as a blessing is said.

St Blaise was a physician who eventually was ordained a bishop in the 4th Century and he worked hard to encourage the spiritual and physical health of his followers. His protection of those with throat ailments comes from a story of a woman whose son had a fish bone lodged in his throat. The woman brought her son to St Blaise who instantly healed him just as the boy was on the point of death.

Message

After being made a bishop, a new persecution of Christians began and Blaise received a message from God to go into the hills and hide to escape persecution. He hid in the caves and during his time there, he developed a connection to wild animals. Many of them were sick whom he cured as he did with the boy.

One day, a group of men hunting in the mountains discovered the cave St Blaise was hiding in. He was instantly recognised as a bishop and taken hostage.

The men took him back for a trial and, on the way, they passed a wolf who had stolen a pig which belonged to a poor woman. Having built a connection with wild animals, Blaise was able to talk the wolf into releasing the pig. This bought him some time when he was starved by his captor for the woman grateful for Blaise’s help sneaked food into the prison.

His example

He refused to denounce his faith and upheld it, even when he was cruelly beaten. Eventually, Blaise was sentenced to death by the governor.

This feast day, you can show your devotion to St Blaise by getting your throat blessed and also by following his example of caring for wild animals. If you leave behind crusts from your toast or lunch, save them, break them down and sprinkle them outside for the birds to peck on.