The Feast of St. Blaise

On the Feast of St. Blaise, the Church observes the long-standing tradition of the Blessing of Throats. During this blessing, the minister holds two candles crossed at the throat of each person and prays:

“Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

This tradition continues today because it reminds us that God cares for the whole person, body and soul. Rooted in the life of St. Blaise, who was known for healing the sick and protecting those suffering from throat ailments, the blessing invites us to trust in God’s healing presence and to place our daily health and needs into prayer.