Saint of the Day for 3 February: St. Blaise
St. Blaise: History, Traditions and Healing Power of the Patron Saint of the Throat
Name
St. Blaise
Title
Bishop and martyr
Birth
3rd century , Sebaste, Armenia
Death
c. 316, Sebaste, Armenia
Recurrence
3 February
Martyrology
2004 edition
Prayer
O glorious St. Blaise, Martyr of sublime merits and most benign protector, You, who, by brief prayer, rendered perfect health to those who by a sore throat were about to die, grant us all the grace of Your patronage, and so, also by the merits of Your martyrdom and the blood You shed under the torment of iron combs, we beseech You to obtain for us from the Lord the deliverance of all sore throats and to know how to mortify this to Your honor and for the sake of eternal life. So be it.
Patron of
Alanno, Bussi sul Tirino, Canzano, Lecce nei Marsi, Vacri, Vittorito, Castiglione a Casauria, Cappadocia, Fontecchio, Maratea, Rapolla, Cancellara, Teana, Serra San Bruno, Chiaravalle Centrale, Tortora, Torano Castello, Spezzano della Sila, Verzino, Scido, Civita, Mugnano di Napoli, Cardito, Palma Campania, San Marzano sul Sarno, Casal Velino, Palomonte, Limatola, Montecorice, Atena Lucana, Pietrastornina, Castel di Sasso, Ottati, Cento, Maranello, Rubiera, Misano Adriatico, Torrile, Toano, Castel di Casio, Roncofreddo, Maiolo, Martignacco, Lestizza, Terzo d’Aquileia, Colloredo di Monte Albano, Sutrio, Socchieve, Anguillara Sabazia, Palombara Sabina, Fiuggi, Sacrofano, Monte San Biagio, Vignanello, Corchiano, Giuliano di Roma, Cantalupo in Sabina, Castel Sant’Angelo, Sant’Ambrogio sul Garigliano, Marano Equo, San Biagio Saracinisco, Vivaro Romano, San Biagio della Cima, Chiusavecchia, Montegrosso Pian Latte, Suzzara, Codogno, Casarile, Cavriana, Caprino Bergamasco, Castelbelforte, Ceresara, Valmorea, Casale Litta, Robecco d’Oglio, Monguzzo, Izano, Milzano, Suello, Acquafredda, Carenno, Calvatone, Corno Giovine, Pieranica, Musso, Trovo, Castelraimondo, Monte San Pietrangeli, Piandimeleto, Sassofeltrio, Muccia, Monte Cerignone, Monte Vidon Combatte, Forlì del Sannio, San Biase, Revello, Pontecurone, Cantalupa, Valdengo, Mombercelli, Venaus, Castelnuovo Belbo, Nonio, Pamparato, Cortanze, Castellania Coppi, Ostuni, Ruvo di Puglia, Avetrana, Carosino, Corsano, Sant’Agata di Puglia, Villasor, Dolianova, Comiso, Bronte, Acate, San Biagio Platani, Caronia, San Piero Patti, Camastra, Militello Rosmarino, Pietrasanta, Orbetello, Montecatini Val di Cecina, Albiano, Trodena nel parco naturale, Tubre, Caderzone Terme, Bieno, Porano, Parrano, Villeneuve, Doues, Bovolone, San Biagio di Callalta, Legnaro, Colognola ai Colli, Casaleone, Grantorto, Cessalto, Cinto Caomaggiore, Montorso Vicentino, Caltrano, Calalzo di Cadore, Alonte, Alleghe
Protector
Of the animals, of the throat, from the sore throat
Roman Martyrology
At Sebaste, in Armenia, the passion of St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, who, the worker of many miracles, under the Presiding Judge Agriculus, after having been at length beaten and suspended from a wood, where with iron combs his flesh was lacerated, after having suffered a horrid imprisonment and having been submerged in a lake, from which he emerged safe, was finally, by order of the same judge, together with two children, beheaded. Before him seven women, who collected the drops of blood that flowed from the body of the same Martyr, while he was tormented, were arrested as Christians, and all after atrocious torments beaten with the sword.
The Saint and Mission
Saint Blaise, venerated as a saint and martyr in the Christian tradition, embodied a mission that deeply reflected pastoral care and service to others. As bishop, his life was dedicated not only to the spiritual leadership of his diocese but also to the physical and moral well-being of his faithful. This dual focus on the spiritual and bodily needs of the faithful defined his mission and its lasting impact in Church history. St. Blaise’s mission was distinguished by his commitment to helping those in need, particularly the sick and suffering. His legendary healing power, especially against diseases of the throat, was not only a sign of his holiness but also of his deep compassion for the suffering of others. His approach to healing was imbued with a deep sense of empathy and mercy, showing that caring for the faithful went beyond words and religious ceremonies, extending to concrete actions of help and consolation. St. Blaise’s mission was also characterized by his steadfastness in the faith in the face of persecution. His martyrdom is a testimony to his courage to remain faithful to his religious principles despite dangers and threats. This aspect of his ministry reflected a deep conviction that the mission of a spiritual leader included bearing witness to the truth, even at the cost of one’s own life. St. Blaise is an example of how Christian mission can be lived out through compassion, service and sacrifice. His life reminds the faithful that the call to serve God and community involves an active and courageous response to the needs of others, both spiritual and physical. Her legacy continues to inspire, showing that true mission is manifested in the ability to listen, help and guide those entrusted to our care.
The Saint and Mercy
Saint Blaise, venerated as a saint and martyr in Christianity, is a figure who deeply symbolizes mercy in multiple aspects of his life and ministry. Notoriously recognized as the protector against diseases of the throat, St. Blaise was a bishop known for his dedication to serving the faithful and for his extraordinary healing power, which was perceived as an act of divine mercy. St. Blaise’s mercy was manifested in his constant willingness to help those in need, especially the poor and the sick. This tendency to help and care reflected not only his goodness of heart but also his deep understanding of human suffering. St. Blaise was not only a physical healer; he also offered comfort and spiritual guidance to those who came to him, showing a mercy that touched both body and soul. Moreover, St. Blaise’s martyrdom, endured with great courage and faith, was interpreted as a supreme act of mercy. In his sacrifice, St. Blaise testified to his unconditional loyalty to God despite suffering and persecution. This extreme act was not only a demonstration of his strong faith, but also an expression of his compassion for his persecutors, praying for them and their redemption. St. Blaise, therefore, represents a figure of complete mercy, ranging from the physical and spiritual care of the faithful to his own witness of faith and sacrifice. His life and ministry are a powerful reminder that mercy is one of the greatest virtues, a bridge connecting human suffering with divine hope and comfort. His legacy continues to inspire the faithful, reminding them of the importance of practicing mercy in all its forms.
Hagiography
S. Blaise was born in Sebaste in Armenia. He spent his youth among studies, devoting himself especially to medicine. At the bed of the suffering he cured infirmities of the body, and by good word and Christian example he also sought to heal spiritual infirmities. Jealous of his purity and very fond of religious life, he was thinking of entering a monastery when, on the death of the bishop of Sebaste, he was elected to succeed him. From that instant his whole life was spent for the good of his faithful. At that time the persecution unleashed by Diocletian and…