Christians around the world celebrate the Feb. 3 feast of St. Blaise, a 4th-century bishop dedicated to increasing the spiritual and physical health of his people in Sebastea, Armenia.
Legend has it that a mother came to St. Blaise with her young son who had a fish bone lodged in his throat. At the saintly bishop’s command, the child coughed up the bone.
For centuries, Catholics have honored the feast of St. Blaise by having their throats blessed by a priest to help protect them from diseases of the throat.
Two candles are blessed, held slightly open, and pressed against the throat as the blessing is said. Parishes around the Charlotte diocese observed this tradition, including St. Mark Church and School in Huntersville and St. Francis Church in Mocksville.
— Catholic News Herald, Provided photos