The Church celebrates the Feast of St. Blaise on Feb. 3. He was bishop of Sebaste in Armenia in the fourth century. Before being martyred, he is said to have healed a boy who was choking. He is venerated today as the patron of those who suffer from diseases of the throat. Using candles blessed the day before at the Mass of the Presentation of the Lord, the faithful will be blessed through the intercession of St. Blaise. Throats will be blessed after all weekend Masses February 7/8, as well as on February 3.