Saint Blaise

I’m constantly fascinated by the witness of the early church. These men and women were outlawed, persecuted and ultimately put to death for what they believed to be true prior to Christianity being legalized. The fact that they were willing to die for what the believed, to protect the integrity of the inspired writings (later to be collected into what we know as “the Bible” today), is a testament to the impact the God-man Jesus had on history. We can learn from the zealous faith, courage and virtue of the saints who have gone before us.

One example is St. Blase, who was a physician and bishop of Sebastea. He was put to death and martyred by beheading for the faith in 316 AD and is most known for the blessing of the throats. Every time I feel "outed", "persecuted" or "mocked" for my faith, I try to remember those who were put to death because of theirs, and then I realize how minor my sufferings really are...

From being a healer of bodily ailments, Saint Blaise became a physician of souls, then retired for a time, by divine inspiration, to a cavern where he remained in prayer. As bishop of Sebastea Blaise instructed his people, as much by his example as by his words, and the great virtues and sanctity of the servant of God were attested by many miracles. From all parts, the people came flocking to him for the cure of bodily and spiritual ills. ("Life of St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr", Colegio de Santa Catalina Alejandria)