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SAINT OF THE DAY: ST. BLASE
Catholic News Agency
Feb 3 2008
CO
Bishop Blase was martyred in his episcopal city of Sebastea, Armenia,
in 316. The legendary Acts of St. Blase were written 400 years later.
According to them Blase was a good bishop, working hard to encourage
the spiritual and physical health of his people. Although the Edict
of Toleration (311), granting freedom of worship in the Roman Empire,
was already five years old, persecution still raged in Armenia. Blase
was apparently forced to flee to the back country. According to a
legend, a mother came with her young son who had a fish bone lodged
in his throat. At Blase's command the child was able to cough up the
bone. He was beheaded for not sacrifacing to pagan gods.
The Germans and Slavs hold him in special honor and for decades many
United States Catholics have sought the annual St. Blase blessing
for their throats.
Catholic News Agency
Feb 3 2008
CO
Bishop Blase was martyred in his episcopal city of Sebastea, Armenia,
in 316. The legendary Acts of St. Blase were written 400 years later.
According to them Blase was a good bishop, working hard to encourage
the spiritual and physical health of his people. Although the Edict
of Toleration (311), granting freedom of worship in the Roman Empire,
was already five years old, persecution still raged in Armenia. Blase
was apparently forced to flee to the back country. According to a
legend, a mother came with her young son who had a fish bone lodged
in his throat. At Blase's command the child was able to cough up the
bone. He was beheaded for not sacrifacing to pagan gods.
The Germans and Slavs hold him in special honor and for decades many
United States Catholics have sought the annual St. Blase blessing
for their throats.