Saint Blaise was a fourth-century bishop of Sebaste in Armenia, martyred around the year 316 during a persecution under the emperor Licinius. Little is known of his life with certainty, but tradition holds that he was a physician before becoming bishop, and that while imprisoned he healed a boy who was choking on a fishbone. From this comes the Church's beloved custom of the blessing of throats on his feast day, and he is counted among the Fourteen Holy Helpers.
Blaise shows us a shepherd who kept caring for the sick and the frightened even as danger closed in on him. His quiet faithfulness under persecution reminds us that healing and holiness often happen in hidden places, one person at a time. Centuries later, families still gather under his blessing, trusting that God's tenderness reaches even our smallest ailments.
Saint Blaise, faithful bishop and healer, intercede for all who are sick and for the children we love; ask the Lord to guard our throats, our voices, and our hearts. Amen.Enter today’s Mass → All saints →