Mass and Blessing of the Throats

Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time. Each year, on February 3, the Church celebrates the feast day of St. Blase, bishop and martyr.  St. Blase was a 4th-century Armenian bishop who was beheaded for his faith.  One story told of him is that of curing a young boy who had a fishbone caught in his throat. St. Blase’s memory was held dear among German and Czech Catholics who brought the blessing of throats to their parishes in the U.S.  Traditionally, the annual blessing of the throats is offered using two crossed candles placed against each throat.  This year, due to COVID-19, the blessing will be adapted for safety.  Father will simply pray the blessing over all present for the 7:00 a.m. Mass.  The blessing of the throats asks God’s protection from “ailments of the throats and every other illness.”  Taking place in February, in the midst of Houston’s mild winter, we do ask God’s protection against the common cold, the flu, pneumonia, and this year particularly, COVID-19.