Photos: Blessing of the Throats at Corpus Christi

In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. This Feast is also known as Candle Mas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. In Corpus Christi Church during the Sunday Liturgy parishioners pray for new vocation to religious life and pray for all or women and men in consecrated life.

February 3 is the Memorial of St. Blaise (316). St. Blaise is venerated in the Eastern and Western Churches due to many cures attributed to him. According to tradition, he was Bishop of Sebaste in Armenia and was martyred under Licinius. On this day the Church gives a “Blessing of the Throats” in honor of St. Blaise. From the eighth century he has been invoked on behalf of the sick, especially those afflicted with illnesses of the throat. On Sunday (February 2) parishioners of Corpus Christi Parish, received the blessing (candles crossed in a special candelabrum used to bless throats) through the intercession of St. Blaise.

Photos from Blessing of the Throats – 9:30am Mass, 02/01/2020 – Click on images for full view.