Some pigeons not really sure what to do next! at Bishop Lucey Park, Cork (Irl)

Today is the feast of St Blaise whose life was very simple and ordinary. Yet he is known worldwide for his care of those who were sick and particularly those with ailments of the throat. 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 on us and we ask his special blessings on each of us today.

‘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)

Thought on Wednesday – February – 03/02/2016

‘A great resurgence of interest in all aspects of our Celtic heritage is leading many individuals and groups to rediscover and draw inspiration from the lives of the early Irish saints. St Brigid, the patroness of Ireland, is emerging as one whose life has relevance and inspiration for us as we try to face the issues that confront our country and our world at this time.’ ~Rita Minehan

The feast of St Brigid was celebrated yesterday (Feb 1st). Traditionally it marks the arrival of spring. Lots of winter storms have hit Ireland during the month of January, so any break from these will be welcomed by many. The feast of St Brigid is a day to reflect on all our present blessings and all the good around us. She had time for everyone including the poor but above all she inspired people to be themselves. She encouraged them to be proud of who they were, to be proud of their roots, to be proud of their gifts and talents and to be proud of their faith.

Using rushes she wove them all into a cross, to remind us that all the different strands of our lives are connected. They are connected not by chance but by the gentle presence of God in our lives. Brigid gathers our rushes of sorrow and blessings, of happiness and pain, tears and laughter, kindness and caring, of voluntary groups and organisations, of families, relations and friends, of schools and hospitals, of work, sport and recreation and all the little things we do with faith, hope and love. Brigid weaves them all with loving hands into something richer and more beautiful. For her God is always at the centre of everything we do, not just the good parts but simply everything. We ask her many blessings on us during this first week of February.