February 3, 2024, Feast of St. Blaise, Holy Rosary (Joyful Mysteries)

Friends of the Rosary: Today, February 3rd, we celebrate the memorial of St. Blaise (or Blase), a fourth-century saint and martyr who enjoys widespread veneration in the Eastern and Western Churches due to many cures attributed to him. On this day the Church gives a "Blessing of the Throats" in honor of St. Blaise, who was a physician and Bishop of Sebaste, Armenia. From the eighth century, St. Blaise has been invoked on behalf of the sick, especially those afflicted with illnesses of the throat. St. Blaise is included in the list of Fourteen Holy Helpers. Today, two candles are blessed with a prayer that God will free us from illness. St. Blaise lived in a cave on Mount Argeus and was a healer of men and animals. According to legend, sick animals would come to him on their own for help, but would never disturb him at prayer. While arrested, and in prison, Blaise ministered to and healed fellow prisoners, including saving a child who was choking on a fish bone; this led to the blessing of throats on Blaise's feast day. Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!St. Blaise, Pray for Us! To Jesus through Mary!Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will! + Mikel A. | RosaryNetwork.com, New York • ⁠February 3, 2024, Today’s Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET