Blessing of throats will take place at all Masses on Monday, February 3rd, as we celebrate the Feast of St. Blaise. St. Blaise is the patron saint of throat illnesses, animals, wool combers, and wool trading.
St. Blaise said that anyone who lit a candle in his memory would be free of infection, thus candles are used in the traditional throat blessing. The candles (blessed on Candlemas Feb. 2) are crossed against the throat, and the following prayer is said: