Catholics around the world celebrate the Feb. 3 feast of St. Blaise (Feb. 11 in the Eastern Church), a 4th-century bishop dedicated to increasing the spiritual and physical health of his people in Armenia. Legend has it that a mother came to St. Blaise with her young son who had a fish bone lodged in his throat. At the saintly bishop’s command, the child coughed up the bone. For centuries, Catholics have honored the feast of St. Blaise by having their throats blessed by a priest to help protect them from diseases of the throat. Two candles are blessed, held slightly open, and pressed against the throat as the blessing is said. Many parishes in the Diocese of Charlotte hold these blessings. Call your parish office or check the bulletin for details.
Words play a big role on St. Valentine’s Day Feb. 14 as friends and lovers exchange sweet notes to one another in honor of a 3rd-century bishop and martyr who, right before his execution, is said to have signed “Your Valentine” in a message to the jailer’s daughter, whom he had healed. Sometimes we’re blessed enough to receive a word or “Valentine” from Our Lord in prayer or Eucharistic Adoration. No matter how brief, these messages from His Sacred Heart hold powerful meaning in our lives. Remember Our Lord’s words to you by recording them in a notebook or journal like the Sacred Heart-themed options at Etsy.com and continue to reflect and pray on them as you continue the conversation with Him.