Saint Blaise

Bishop and Martyr: d. ca. 316

His life:

+ As a young man, Blaise studied philosophy and eventually became a physician.

+ After being ordained a priest, he was named bishop of Sebaste, Armenia.

+ In 316, Blaise was arrested and imprisoned by the governor Agricolus. After suffering extreme tortures, he was beheaded.

+ For centuries, Saint Blaise has been invoked as a patron saint of those suffering from diseases of the throat. According to legend, as Blaise was being taken to prison, a mother whose child was choking to death implored his aid. Through his intercession, the child was saved.

Spiritual bonus:

On this day, the Church also remembers the monk and bishop Saint Ansgar. Because of his missionary efforts in Denmark, he is honored as the “Apostle of the North.” Saint Ansgar died in 865 and is honored as the patron of Denmark and Sweden.

Quote:

“Consider how the Lord served, and see what kind of servants he bids us to be. He gave his own life as a ransom for many; he ransomed us.”—Saint Augustine of Hippo

Prayer

Hear, O Lord, the supplications your people make
under the patronage of the Martyr Saint Blaise,
and grant that they may rejoice in peace in this present life,
and find help for life eternal.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal)