At all of the Masses during the weekend of February 1/2 (at the end of the Mass), we will celebrate the Feast of Saint Blaise, who was bishop of Sebaste in Armenia in the fourth century. Before being martyred, he is said to have healed a boy who was choking. Since the eighth century, Saint Blaise has been venerated as the patron of those who suffer from diseases of the throat and from other illnesses. The blessing of Saint Blaise is a sign of our faith in God’s protection and love for us and for the sick. With the flu at epidemic levels right here in Franklin County, please consider taking advantage of this once a year blessing.