Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

The Feast of Saint Blaise, Martyr

Saint Blaze was an Armenian Bishop during the fourth century. His cult became very popular during the Middle Ages and continues somewhat today. We are familiar with the legend that a little boy got a fishbone stuck in his throat and Saint Blaze saved his life. Because his feast falls on the day after Candlemas day, we use candles to bless throats.

 

The devotion to Saint Blaze is also a cultural practice for Catholics. It is something that identifies us as Catholics especially here in America. The practice of having our throats blessed reminds us first, of the power of the Blessed Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It also reminds us how we share in that power through our faith in Baptism.

 

The true dignity of every human person lies in reflecting the strength which comes from the grace of Christ, who has in unique ways conquered evil and transformed our weaknesses and sin. The lives of the saints which we celebrate teach us that the source of our Catholic culture which we try to live, is the grace of Christ celebrated here in the Eucharist.