Before being martyred, St. Blaise, Bishop of Sebaste in Armenia in the fourth century, was said to have healed a boy who was chocking. From the Eighth century he has been invoked on behalf of the sick, especially those afflicted with illnesses of the throat. The blessing of St. Blaise, a sign of our faith in God’s protection and love for us and for the sick will take place during the 9:00 a.m. Mass on Friday, February 3.