Who Was Saint Blasé And What Happens On His Feast Day?

Saint Blasé was a bishop and martyr of the Roman Catholic Church. He was believed to be bishop of Sebaste in Argentina. Not much is known about this 4th Century saint, except that he enjoyed widespread veneration both in the Eastern and Western Churches because of numerous miraculous cures attributed to him. The most famous of these happened whilst he was hiding from persecution in a cave. He would bless sick and wounded animals but once a young woman bought him her son who was on the point of death because a fishbone was stuck in his throat, and St Blasé healed the boy. During his imprisonment, the same woman brought him food and candles. St Blasé is therefore known as the patron saint of throats.

During or after every Mass celebrated on his feast day on February 3rd, two unlit candles are used by the priest to bless the throats of members of the congregation. Catholics believe that this blessing, and by praying to St Blasé, their throat diseases and infections may be healed.