St. Blaise
Feast day: February 3
Blaise was the bishop of Sebastea, Turkey. When the persecutions started under Emperor Diocletian (r. 284-305). Blaise took refuge in a cave, where he cared for wild animals. Years later, he was found by hunters and turned over to authorities. He was tortured with iron rods and beheaded. The custom of blessing throats on his feast day is taken from Blaise’s healing of a young boy who had a fish bone stuck in his throat. He is listed among the Fourteen Holy Helpers – saints who are revered as healers. St. Blaise is the patron of throat ailments.
Collect
Hear, O Lord, the supplications your people make
under the patronage of the Martyr Saint Blaise,
and grant that they may rejoice in peace in this present life,
and find help for life eternal.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
