Cool Catholic traditions: The blessing of the throats...

Well, here's how it goes down: During the blessing (which usually takes place either before or after the daily Mass), the priest holds two candles tied together with a red ribbon in the form of a cross at the throat of the person seeking a blessing and prays aloud: "Through the intersession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God preserve you from throat troubles and every other evil. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Beyond that - as with any prayer - the mechanics and the effectiveness are matters of faith, and are up to God alone.



Who was St. Blaise and how did blessing throats become associated with his feast day?

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