Ever wonder why Catholics line up every February 3rd to get two crossed candles pressed against their throats? On The Inner Life, Patrick Conley sat down with Fr. Joseph Illo to unpack the history, meaning, and power of this beloved throat-blessing tradition.
Catch the entire episode about blessings here!
Meet St. Blaise: Bishop, Martyr, Throat-Healing Legend
Turns out, St. Blaise was kind of a big deal. He was a physician before becoming a bishop in ancient Armenia (modern-day Turkey). Not only did he heal bodies, but he was also known for his spiritual and miraculous gifts. One of his most famous miracles was saving a boy who was choking on a fishbone! 🐟😱 That’s why he’s the patron saint of throat ailments.
During the tough times of the Middle Ages, St. Blaise became one of the 14 Holy Helpers: a group of saints people turned to for help, especially during plagues and sickness.
🕯️ So… Why Candles?
St. Blaise’s feast falls the day after Candlemas (Feb. 2), when we bless a ton of candles for the year. So naturally, the Church started using those candles to impart another blessing: this time for throats. Enter the famous throat blessing, where a priest places two crossed candles near your neck and prays:
“Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
That’s not just for sore throats: it’s a full-body, mind, and soul blessing!
✨ Why Do People Love This So Much?
Fr. Illo pointed out that Catholics love tangible expressions of faith: whether it’s ashes on Ash Wednesday, palms on Palm Sunday, or sacramentals like holy water and blessed candles. These little physical moments connect us to the deeper spiritual reality of God’s grace.
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