Blessing of the Throats
On Monday, February 5, 2024, Deacon Michael Watts blessed the throats of students, faculty, and staff in the tradition of Saint Blaise. Saint Blaise is the patron Saint of wild animals, sufferers of the throat, and wool combers. His feast day is February 3.
Bishop Blaise was martyred in Armenia (modern-day Turkey) in 316. Bishop Blaise was a doctor who was known as the “Physician of Souls.” Although people
could worship freely during this time, persecution was abundant for Christians.
Bishop Blaise moved to the safety of the back country where he lived and prayed in solitude as a hermit. It is said that wild animals such as wolves, lions, and bears would surround him while he prayed.
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