Thursday of this week is the Feast of St. Blaise, who was a fourth century bishop in Armenia. Before being martyred, he is said to have healed a boy who was choking and has been venerated as the patron of those who suffer from diseases of the throat. After Mass on Thursday, ministers will be available for you to have your throat blessed. It is a sign of our faith in God’s protection and love for us and for the sick. Through it, the church continues its ministry to the sick through the blessing of throats.