All are invited to approach the altar rail after Mass on the Feast of Saint Blaise, for the Blessing of Throats.

Saint Blaise was an Armenian bishop and physician who was martyred c.316 AD. He has long been associated with the healing of throat ailments, and the blessing of throats with crossed candles is a traditional feature of his feast day.

Per intercessionem Sancti Blasii liberet te Deus a malo gutteris et a quovis alio malo.

May God at the intercession of Saint Blaise preserve you from throat troubles and every other evil.