Saint of the day, February 3 – Zeale
Little is known of Blaise’s early life, but he was an Armenian bishop reputed for his zealous care for the souls in his charge at a time when religious persecution by the government was rampant.
February 3 – St. Blaise
Born: c. 3rd century
Died: c. 316
Nationality: Armenian
Vocation: priest and bishop
Attributes: episopal vestments, animals, crossed candles, a choking boy, wool comb
Patronage: ailments of the throat, wool-combers, wild animals, candle makers
Canonization: pre-congregation
Little is known of Blaise’s early life, but he was an Armenian bishop reputed for his zealous care for the souls in his charge at a time when religious persecution by the government was rampant.
Tradition holds that a mother brought her young son who had a fish bone stuck in his throat to Blaise and the bishop commanded that the bone be dislodged, thereby saving the boy.
In 316, Blaise was imprisoned and eventually beheaded for refusing to sacrifice to pagan gods. On the way to prison, a poor old woman whose pig had been stolen by a wolf approached him. At Blaise’s command, the wolf returned the pig alive and uninjured to the woman.
Germans and Slavs have a special devotion to Blaise and Catholics in the United States receive a blessing for their throats annually on his feast day.
St. Blaise, pray for us.
