'Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God protect you from all ailments of the throat and from all forms of evil. Amen.' ~Blessing given on the feast of St.Blaise (3rd Feb)

Yesterday was the feast of St.Blaise whose life was very simple and ordinary. He is known worldwide for his care of those who were sick and particularly those with ailments of the throat. Many people get their throats blessed today. Some may think it's a load of silly piety and yet for many it's a blessing that brings comfort and reassurance. Saint Blaise's protection of those with throat troubles apparently comes from a legend that a boy was brought to him who had a fishbone stuck in his throat. The boy was about to die when Saint Blaise healed him.

He was a physician who was very close to God. The sick came in crowds to consult him and some even brought animals as well. St.Blaise cured many people of their ailments and always sent them away with his blessing. He cured not just physical ailments of the throat but spiritual ones as well. We pray to St.Blaise to heal us from all ailments of the throat, we ask for his protection and we ask his special blessings on each of us today.