Blessing of Throats

Blessing of the Throats
 
Catholics often participate in the tradition of having their throats blessed. To do this, the priest consecrates two candles, generally by a prayer, and then holds each in a crossed position on the throat of the person being blessed. At the same time, the following blessing is given: “Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from ailments of the throat and from every other evil. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Why does the blessing of the throat take place on St. Blaise Day? St. Blaise, a physician and bishop, asked God to cure a child who was choking to death on a fish bone and the child’s life was saved. Thus, St. Blaise is the patron saint of healthy throats.

The Blessing of Throats will take place at Divine Mercy Parish after the 7:30AM Mass on Friday, February 3rd, the Feast Day of St. Blaise.