This weekend we celebrate Saint Blaise, and get the divine assistance that comes from the blessing of throats. This annual blessing occurs at just the proper time: when colds, influenza, sore throats, and sickness increase with the winter season.

Saint Blaise lived in the 4th century A.D.. He became the bishop of Sebastes, in Armenia. Many miracles are attributed to him, but the healing of throats is the one miracle of his celebrated through the centuries. A mother came to blaze and presented her son to him. The boy was prone to choking and had lodged a fish bone in his throat. The good bishop, Blaise, laid hands upon his throat and rebuked the problem. The boy was healed. Ever since, the Blessing of Throats has been a Christian mainstay, for over 1,700 years. Praise be to God!

Never forget how powerful these Sacramentals can be. The blessing of throats, holy water, blessed, candles, etc., give solace to all the faithful as we journey toward the great Prize and Reward, Eternal Life!