Blessing of Throats
Following Mass on Sunday, you are welcomed and encouraged to receive a blessing of the throat.
The Church celebrates the fourth century bishop and martyr S Blaise on 3rd February. Blaise lived in what is now modern day Turkey. One particular legend associated with him was the healing of a small child who was choking on a fish bone. As a result, S Blaise is the patron saint against ailments of the throat.
As well as being the patron saint against ailments of the throat, S Blaise is also patron of infants, animals, builders, stonecutters, the wool industry, vets, amongst others, and of the cities of Salerno, Maratea, Dubrovnik, and Bradford.
Photo – S Blaise, Dubronik (A Woods)