St. Blaise

St. Blaise was born in the late third century. He was a doctor and later became a bishop in Armenia. Once, a boy who had a fishbone stuck in his throat went to Blaise. Blaise was able to heal the boy. At the time there was persecution of Christians in the region. He lived in a cave with wild animals. Legend says he convinced one of the wolves to release a pig that belonged to a woman nearby. After Blaise was arrested and put in prison, the woman would sneak him food and candles.

Blaise was martyred in 316. He is the patron of wild animals and throat troubles. His feast day is February 3. He is considered one of the 14 Holy Helpers.

I like that his feast day is the day after Candlemas, mainly because I find Blaise to be a delightfully appropriate name for someone involving candles. Many churches have throat blessings on his feast day which includes holding two candles crossed over a person’s head while a blessing is said.