St. Blaise was a fourth century bishop who lived in Armenia and devotion to him has been popular throughout the ages.
Much of what is known about the life of St. Blaise comes from the legends about his life.
Historical proof exists that Blaise was martyred for the Faith in his diocese of Sebastea in Armenia in the year 316.
The legends surrounding Blaise state that during the persecution of Licinius
Blaise was forced into exile into the hills in the backcountry of his
diocese.
There he lived as a hermit, spending his days in prayer and
penance.
The legends say that one of the
products of Blaise's holiness was that even the most wild of animals
became his companions without any harm to him.
One
day hunters discovered Blaise while seeking wild animals for the
amphitheater and arrested him as a Christian.
Blaise was taken to
prison, but on the way there he interceded to God on the behalf of a
child who was choking to death on a fish bone. The child was cured, but
Blaise was forced to continue on his way to prison.
While
in prison, Blaise confirmed that he was a Christian and was given the
chance to recant his profession of Faith if he offered worship to the
pagan idols. Blaise refused even after being tortured by having his
flesh torn with iron combs and rakes. Finally, Blaise was beheaded and
granted entrance to heaven.
Prayer to Saint Blase
Dear bishop and lover of souls, you willingly bore heavy crosses in faithful imitation of Jesus. Similarly, with Christlike compassion you cured many sufferers. Than after undergoing horrible torture, you died as a martyr for Christ. Obtain a cure for these {describe the afflictions} ills if this is agreeable to God. Amen.
Feastday: February 3