A Blaise of glory

 Today is the feast of St. Blaise. Many Catholics might remember Saint Blaise's feast day because of the Blessing of the Throats that takes place on this day. Two candles which were blessed on Candlemas (the day before St. Blaise), are held slightly open, and pressed against the throat as the blessing is said. Saint Blaise's protection of those with throat troubles apparently comes from a legend that a boy was brought to him who had a fishbone stuck in his throat. The boy was about to die when Saint Blaise healed him. Despite the holy card, the candles are usually not burning or else you would need to call on St. John, the patron saint of burns.

Very few facts are known about Saint Blaise, which is no great surprise. He is said to have been a bishop of Sebastea in Armenia who was martyred under the reign of Licinius in the early fourth century. 

The legend of his life that sprang up in the eighth century -- four hundred years after he is supposed to have lived -- says that he was born into a rich and noble family who raised him as a Christian. After becoming a bishop, a new persecution of Christians began. He received a message from God to go into the hills to escape persecution. Men hunting in the mountains discovered a cave surrounded by wild animals who were sick. Among them Blaise walked unafraid, curing them of their illnesses. Recognizing Blaise as a bishop, they captured him to take him back for trial. On the way back, he talked a wolf into releasing a pig that belonged to a poor woman. When Blaise was sentenced to be starved to death, the woman, in gratitude, sneaked into the prison with food and candles. Finally Blaise was killed by the governor. 

Blaise is the patron saint of wild animals because of his care for them and of those with throat maladies because of the legend of the boy he healed.

Some historians believe Blaise came to be associated with animals because his name sounds like that of a Slavic pagan god, Veles, who was a protector of cattle.

Even before I decided to become Catholic, one of my Catholic roommates dragged me to church on the feast of St. Blaise to get my throat blessed. It was February in Michigan, and I figured every little bit of protection would help. So I always remember the day because it was the first Catholic ritual in which I participated. Also, I have a good friend who celebrates his birthday today.

Finally, when I was a in the monastery a group of us went to a workshop. There we were introduced to a Brother Blaise. A fellow student blurted out, "Blaze? That's a horse's name!"