Another feast with a Candle connection. This year, the feast of St Blaise was displaced because it fell on a Sunday, however, after masses, the traditional blessing with candles to protect against disease of the throat was given.
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| Parishioner receiving blessing with candles for St Blaise |
St Blaise: Feast
Day February 3rd.
ca. 4th century
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| Statue of St Blaise |
Blaise
is believed to have been the son of rich and noble Christians and to have been
very young when he was consecrated Bishop of Sebaste in Armenia. During a period
of persecution Blaise hid in a cave where he blessed sick or wounded animals. He
saved the life of the son of a woman who brought him food and water by
dislodging a fishbone from the boy’s throat when he was at the point of choking
to death. The practise of blessing sufferers of diseases of the throat in the
name of St Blaise continues to this day and may be accompanied by holding two
candles to the throat. Water may also be given to sick cattle in the name of St
Blaise. He died defending the Christian faith in 316 by being torn by wool-combs
before being beheaded. At least four miracles were recorded at his shrine. St
Blaise is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a group of saints venerated because
their intercession is believed to be particularly effective against disease.
Patronage: Animals, builders, choking, throats, infants,
stonecutters, carvers, veterinarians, wool-workers.
Did you know? Each week the Cathedral website features a saint whose feast day we celebrate during that week. A useful way to learn more about the lives of Saints.
