Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Candles, Prayers, and Healing: The Blessing of Throats Explained

Posted on January 28, 2025 in: Reflections

Candles, Prayers, and Healing: The Blessing of Throats Explained

Each year on February 3, the Feast of St. Blaise, Catholics come together for the beautiful and unique tradition of the Blessing of Throats. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder of God’s care for us — both body and soul.

St. Blaise, a 4th-century bishop and martyr, is known for a pretty amazing story. One day, he saved a young boy who was choking on a fishbone. This miracle led to his reputation as the patron saint of throat ailments. Over the centuries, people have turned to him for help with illnesses, trusting in his intercession and God’s healing power.

During the Blessing of Throats, the priest or deacon holds two candles crossed near your throat, praying: "Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." It’s a short but meaningful moment, one that connects us to the Church’s rich traditions and reminds us that God cares about every part of our lives— even our sore throats!

This blessing isn’t just about physical health. It’s a chance to put our worries in God’s hands and trust in His love and protection. In a time when so many are navigating tricky waters, this tradition is a gentle nudge to remember we’re never alone. God is always with us, offering comfort and peace. God is always with us, offering comfort and peace.

As St. Blaise’s feast day approaches, take a moment to reflect on the ways God shows up in your life—through the saints, the sacraments, and the everyday blessings we often overlook. Whether you’re hoping for healing, strength, or just a little extra reassurance, the Blessing of Throats is a beautiful way to connect with God’s endless love and care for you.

By Andrea DePaola
Four County Catholic


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

The Promise of the Ascension

Posted on May 21, 2025 in: Reflections

1120

The Promise of the Ascension
    Forty days after Easter Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. While often seen as a quiet moment between the joy of the Resurrection and the fire of Pentecost, Ascension Thursday is much more than a transition. It is a cornerstone of our Christian hope. As recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, Jesus, after appearing to His disciples and speaking to them about the Kingdom of God, is “lifted up, and a cloud took Him from their sight” (Acts 1:9). His Ascension does not mark the end of His presence but the beginn...

Read More

June Belongs to the Sacred Heart

Posted on June 04, 2025 in: Reflections

881

June Belongs to the Sacred Heart
The month of June is traditionally dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a devotion that draws us into the tender, burning love of Christ for all humanity. As this month begins, we are invited not only to contemplate His pierced heart but also to allow our own hearts to be shaped by His mercy. The Sacred Heart is more than a symbol; it is the very center of our faith, offering consolation, healing, and renewal. In a world often marked by indifference and division, devotion to the Sacred Heart calls us to live with compassion. We are encouraged to see others through the...

Read More

A Prayer for Father's Day

Posted on June 12, 2025 in: Reflections

764

A Prayer for Father's Day
Dear God, Thank you for loving us with your perfect heart of a father. We ask you this Father's Day and always to guide and protect the hearts of all men in fatherly roles who are striving to love with your heart and do your work. Give them pure, chaste, courageous, and creative hearts like Saint Joseph. Give them hearts that never tire of serving those they are called to love. Give them hearts that seek out their loved ones and gently turn their gaze to see You, who is Love.  And we ask you, Father, to bless them abundantly today....

Read More

Knights of Columbus Column: Making Room for Grace
Humility can be a rare commodity these days. It’s not often spoken of in business or in the halls of government as a virtue to be pursued. Instead, popular books on the “rules of power” frame it as a personal deficiency that should at least be hidden if it cannot be overcome. Such views betray a misunderstanding. Humility does not equal weakness or a lack of confidence, nor does it mean pretending that you are unworthy and have nothing of value to contribute. To the contrary, humility is not about you at all. It’s about thinking of others more tha...

Read More

Bishop Reidy's Pastoral on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
    June 16, 2025 My dear friends in Christ,     This weekend we observe the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi).  This day reminds us in a particular way of the great gift of the Holy Eucharist.  The Eucharist has been called God’s gift par excellence because it is the gift of Jesus Himself and of His saving work.     Jesus is present to us in many ways---- in the Scriptures, in all the sacraments, in the assembly of the faithful gathered to pray at Mass, and in the prie...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
Bishop Reidy's Pastoral on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Join Bishop Reidy for a Youth Hike!
Now Hiring: Faith Filled Educators
“Witnesses to Hope” is the Theme of Religious Freedom Week 2025, June 22-29
Academy of the Holy Family Graduation 2025
Full Text of Pope Leo XIV’s Address to Catholics in Chicago
Pray for the Pope: Join the Sacred Heart Novena June 19–27
Calendar of Events

 

Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Richard F. Reidy
Click to view album: Students Called to Feed the Hungry
Click to view album: 40 Days for Life 2024
Click to view album: Blessing of the Fleet 2024
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294