Blase lived so long ago that we know nothing about his early life. We do know that he was a both a doctor and a bishop in a country in Western Asia called Armenia. In the beginning of the fourth century, Christians were being persecuted by the Romans. The Roman Emperor believed that arresting and punishing important leaders like Blase would prevent other people from becoming followers of Christ.
Blase’s prison was a dark cave. One of the legends that is told about him is that wild animals came to the cave so that he could treat their wounds. It is said that a mother brought her young son to Blase. The boy was choking on a fish bone. Blase saved the boy’s life by saying a prayer and blessing him with the Sign of the Cross.
Tradition tells us that the grateful mother visited Blase’s cave to bring him food and candles. The candles brightened his cave. During his time in prison, Blase was sentenced to death. He was martyred in the year 316.
St. Blase is the patron saint of people with diseases of the throat, On St. Blase’s feast days, many parishes bless the throats of their parishioners in a special ceremony. Two unlit candles are held next to each person’s throat as the priest or deacon says, “Through the intercession of Saint Blase, 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.” We respond, “Amen.”
St. Blase reminds us of the importance of taking care of our health and also to thank God for doctors and medicines that can help us to recover from illnesses. We honor St. Blase for his faith and care for his people.
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