Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Each year in early February, the Church places before us the figure of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, whose witness continues to shape our faith and devotional life. Though separated from us by more than seventeen centuries, St. Blaise remains a vivid reminder of the Church’s belief that holiness is not confined to history books, but is alive and active in the communion of saints.
St. Blaise lived in the early fourth century and served as bishop of Sebaste, in what is today eastern Turkey. Tradition tells us that he was a physician before becoming a bishop, combining care for the body with care for the soul. During a time of persecution under the Roman emperor Licinius, Blaise was forced to live in hiding. Even in isolation, people sought him out for prayer and healing. Eventually, he was arrested, tortured, and martyred around the year 316. His steadfast faith unto death earned him a place among the early martyrs whose blood, as the Church Fathers often said, became the seed of Christianity.
Over time, devotion to St. Blaise spread widely, especially because of one particular miracle attributed to him. While Blaise was imprisoned, a mother brought him her young son who was choking on a fish bone. Through Blaise’s prayer, the child was healed. From this event arose the Church’s enduring practice of the Blessing of Throats on or near his feast day, February 3rd. During this blessing, two candles—often crossed and held at the throat—are used as a sacramental sign of the Church’s prayer for protection from illnesses of the throat and from all harm.
These candles are among the primary symbols associated with St. Blaise. They remind us that Christ is the light who shines in the darkness, even in times of suffering and persecution. The crossed candles also subtly echo the Cross itself, pointing to the truth that healing, salvation, and eternal life ultimately flow from Christ’s sacrifice. St. Blaise is also sometimes depicted with a bishop’s crozier, signifying his pastoral authority, and with instruments of martyrdom, underscoring the cost of faithful discipleship.
Beyond the historical details and devotional practices, St. Blaise invites us to reflect more deeply on the theological importance of saints in the life of the Church. Saints are not distant heroes meant only to be admired; they are witnesses to what God’s grace can accomplish in a human life. They show us that holiness is possible in every age, culture, and vocation. As the Catechism teaches, the saints “contemplate God, praise him, and constantly care for those whom they have left on earth” (CCC 2683). This is the heart of the communion of saints—a living bond of prayer and love that unites heaven and earth.
When we ask for the intercession of St. Blaise, especially for health and healing, we are not placing our trust in superstition or magic. Rather, we are affirming a deeply Christian truth: that God works through His people, and that those who have gone before us in faith continue to pray with us and for us. The blessing we receive is ultimately God’s gift, mediated through the prayer of the Church and the example of a faithful servant.
As we honor St. Blaise, may we be reminded that our own lives are meant to be signs of Christ’s healing presence in the world. Like him, we are called to care for one another—body and soul—and to remain faithful, even when faith demands courage and sacrifice. May St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, pray for us, that our voices may always proclaim Christ, and that our lives may bear witness to His saving love. .
God bless,
Fr. Tom Lanza
Pastor, St. Matthias Parish & School