Biography of Saint Blaise
Saint Blaise of Sebaste, in addition to being a physician, was the bishop of Sebaste in Armenia, a place now known as Sivas in Turkey. He was noted for converting a cave where he lived as a hermit into his episcopal seat. He is the patron saint of the Republic of Paraguay, the city of Dubrovnik in Croatia, and several Spanish cities, as well as of throat patients and ear, nose, and throat specialists.
Since the Middle Ages, he has been highly venerated in both the Western and Eastern Christian Churches. Since ancient times, his feast day has been celebrated on February 3 in the Western Churches and on February 11 in the Eastern Church. In Croatia, in the city of Dubrovnik, his feast day dates back to 1190. This saint is one of the fourteen auxiliary saints of the Catholic Church and an anargyros saint of the Orthodox Church.
In his early days, he evangelized the Christian faith while practicing medicine, taking the opportunity to speak with his patients about the power of Jesus Christ the Savior and the Christian religion. The miracle that earned him the patron saint status of throat patients was the healing of a child who had a thorn stuck in his throat.
According to legend, the boy was eating fish when the bone lodged in his throat. The boy was choking, but thanks to the miraculous cure performed by Saint Blaise of Sebaste, he was saved. From that moment on, he became known as the patron saint of throat patients. Likewise, venerating Saint Blaise on February 3rd through the blessing of throats is a tradition. This doctor was also sought out to heal sick animals.
While performing miraculous healings, he spoke to his patients about Jesus Christ. Because of this and his miraculous healings, Blaise was elected Bishop. But when the Roman Emperor Licinius began persecuting the early Christians, Blaise went into hiding in a cave in the mountains and, taking refuge there, led the Eucharist, encouraging Christians who feared possible reprisals. At night, he went down to the city to help and evangelize the prisoners in the jails.
According to legend, while the physician Bishop Blas lived in the cave, wounded or sick wild animals would approach it, and he would heal them. Because of this, the cave was frequently visited by beasts due to Blas's kind treatment of them. Apparently, when he saw the governor's hunters climbing the mountain in search of animals, he scared them away, thus preventing them from hunting them.
In revenge, these governor's hunters captured him. He was arrested during the last Roman persecution against Christians, which had spread to Cappadocia. This apparently occurred when his captors went to capture animals in the Argeus Forest to hunt during the arena games. They tracked several animals lurking around the cave where Saint Blaise lived. He was alone in the cave praying, and they captured him.
When the hunters took him captive and brought him to the city, according to tradition, the Christian and non-Christian people, knowing of Blaise's healing powers, received him like a hero, jubilantly, hailing him as a great benefactor and friend to all. Upon taking him before the governor of Cappadocia, the latter offered him many gifts and benefits if Blaise would abandon the religion of Jesus Christ and profess the pagan religion. Blaise refused and confirmed his commitment to Jesus and his teachings.
While in prison, Saint Blaise continued to heal prisoners, and during the interrogations, Governor Agricola sought ways to make him renounce his faith. When he was unsuccessful, he ordered him to be killed by drowning in a lake. However, when they threw him into the water, Blaise de Sabaste stood on the surface of the water (just as Jesus Christ walked on water). He told his persecutors to walk on water as well, so that they would realize the power of their gods, and they all drowned.
An angel assisted Blaise, bringing him to the shore. Once back on land, he was captured and tortured. This time, he was hanged from a post; a carding rake was used to lacerate his back, tearing it open. Blaise, while being tortured, did not complain, but prayed for the forgiveness of his executioners' sins and for all Christians to be strengthened in their faith.
Annoyed that Blas continued to pray to Jesus Christ and proclaim his faith in God before all the citizens, he ordered him to be beheaded. According to reports, while he was being led to the executioner, this holy man continued blessing him all the way along the road. The people who crowded around to see him and receive his blessing gazed at him in awe, and apparently many were healed along the way.
Among all these cures, the one that stood out was the boy who was dying from a fishbone stuck in his throat. A mother, grieving for her son, carried him in agony because he was choking, unable to breathe because of a fishbone stuck in his throat.
When he saw the people crowding around the noble doctor being led to his death, he went up to him, knelt down, and presented his dying son to him. Blas placed his hands on the sick child's head and prayed for him. At that moment, the thorn disintegrated, and the child was able to breathe without further difficulty. The entire crowd that witnessed the miracle cheered him with joy and great faith in this noble man, which helped attract more believers to the word of Jesus Christ and their Father, Almighty God.
He died in 316, beheaded. After his death, many people received the grace of having their requests granted through miraculous acts attributed to Blaise of Sebaste. These acts boosted his popularity, and in gratitude, temples were built; his fame spread to the West. At one point, 35 temples were dedicated to him, in gratitude for a miracle he had performed. Following the death of this martyr, Armenia was proclaimed a Christian country.
Patronage of San Blas
Since ancient times, he has been known for his miracles and for Saint Blaise's protection of forest animals, and especially for healing the boy with the thorn in his throat. Because of this, people had great faith in him and invoked him as a protector against throat diseases; hunters considered him their protector.
From then on, on February 3rd, two candles were blessed in honor of Saint Blaise and, while praying, placed against people's throats, saying: "Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, may God deliver you from throat ailments ." Likewise, mothers with children suffering from throat problems prayed:
“ Saint Blaise, sanctified, the little angel is suffocating.”
To San Blas, so noble and generous, let us ask God to obtain for us the healing of the bodily sufferings of the throat, but above all to cure us of that spiritual illness of the throat that consists in talking about everything that should not be conversing and being afraid to speak of our holy religion and our gracious Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Patron Saint of Paraguay
In addition to being the patron saint of throat patients, hunters, and animals, Saint Blaise is the patron saint of Paraguay, Dubrovnik, a city in Croatia, several Spanish cities located in the provinces of Valencia, Malaga, Navarre, Zaragoza, Toledo, Cordoba, Cuencas, Cadiz, among others, and some in Costa Rica.
Saint Blaise is believed to be the patron saint of the Republic of Paraguay because of the protection sought by the Spanish during the conquest, when they faced the natives at the Corpus Christi fort, founded by Juan de Ayolas. On February 3, 1539, thanks to the timely arrival of reinforcements from Buenos Aires, the Spanish managed to repel the native attack.
The Spanish considered it more than a coincidence that they emerged victorious from the battle against the indigenous people on February 3rd, the Day of Saint Blaise. At the time, news spread that the Spanish victory was due to the appearance of a man dressed in white carrying a sword on the fort's main tower, whom they associated with Saint Blaise.
In addition to being the patron saint of Paraguay, he is also the patron saint of other cities in that country, such as Ciudad del Este, the second largest city in the country. For the celebration of Saint Blaise Day in Villarrica-Guairá, the López family built an oratory to house a statue of Saint Blaise, which arrived in that city from Asunción during the war between 1865 and 1870. Since then, the patron saint's day has been celebrated in the oratory's gardens with a community lunch.
In the city of Itá, Central Department, the feast of its patron saint is commemorated with a novena that begins nine days before February 3rd. This rosary begins with the cathedral bells ringing at noon, along with the launching of fireworks and rockets, announcing the beginning of the Patron Saint Festival. Currently, the city of Itá is the main Sanctuary of Saint Blaise in Paraguay.
Another city in Paraguay that celebrates the feast day of Saint Blaise is Piribebuy. This celebration is commemorated with a novena in honor of the saint. Thousands of parishioners attend this novena, venerating the patron saint and bringing offerings to the image of Saint Blaise, which arrived from Spain in 1809 by Cristóbal Olivella. Olivella had a daughter with Mrs. Bautista Acosta, who was named María José Olivella.
Having to leave the country in 1813, Olivella left behind the protection of the saint's image. During the War of the Triple Alliance, the saint's image was moved to Caraguatay and later recovered by Sister Venancia Acosta. Since then, many parishioners come to venerate the patron saint, some dressed in a red cape and miter.
The faithful come from all walks of life, from horseback to cart, from whatever they can to request a blessing because they have great faith in Saint Blaise. They pray for the protection of Paraguay and for certain illnesses, especially throat illnesses. Paraguayan institutions that honor him celebrate a mass in his name and a procession with the saint's image. Likewise, if Paraguayans are abroad, they venerate their patron saint by attending mass and participating in religious events commemorating Saint Blaise.
Patron saint of Spanish cities
In Spain, there are two official dates for celebration: the day of San Blas, on February 3rd, and another in September, with no fixed date, which varies according to the calendar to commemorate the day of the Virgin of the Spike. Because of his strong love of bullfighting tradition, the celebration of San Blas Day kicks off the first bullfighting fair of each year, held at the end of January. The first weekend of February sees the release of cattle and the traditional bull runs.
Albalate de Zorita
The festival of the patron saint San Blas is in the month of February, they carry out a procession in which they dance in front of the saint, accompanied by musical groups, drums and the sound of castanets. The day before the celebration, the parishioners are distributed "las Caridades", which are breads, which are blessed. The faithful have great faith in these breads because they have the power to cure throat ailments. The next day of the San Blas festivity, an auction is held with the gifts made to San Blas.
The festival in honor of San Blas, held in Ateca, in the province of Zaragoza, was declared of tourist interest on September 5, 1995. Along with the Virgin of the Candle, San Blas is the patron saint of Ateca. Consequently, the festival is celebrated on February 2 and 3. According to the chroniclers of the San Blas festival, according to a document dated 1460, the festivities for the patron saint date back to pre-Christian and even Celtiberian times.
Other towns where Saint Blaise is the patron saint are: Alba, in the province of Valencia; Albalate de las Nogueras in Cuenca; Almatret in the province of Lérida; Alpuente in Valencia; Altea in the province of Alicante; Aracena in Huelva, Andalusia; Arroyo Morote in the town of Yeste; Benaguacil in the province of Valencia; Benaocaz in Cádiz; Bareyo in Cantabria; and many other towns.
In Boada de Roa, a province of Burgos and Castile and León, despite the fact that it is a town with just 66 inhabitants, they celebrate Saint Blaise in February. Also in August, during the celebration of the patron saint festivities of Saint Blaise, which take place on the first weekend of August in the summer, the number of residents increases, as does the number in neighboring towns.
Patronage in Croatia
He is the patron saint of the city of Dubrovnik. The festival of his patron saint, Saint Blaise, is very old, possibly dating back to before 1190. Since 2009, this celebration has been included on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Patronage in Colombia
In Colombia, the celebration of the patron saint's feast day in honor of Saint Blaise lasts two days. It begins on February 3rd and ends the following day. It takes place in Morroa, in the Department of Sucre, and is attended by natives and visitors from different parts of the country and even abroad. The parish of Saint Blaise in the Diocese of Sincelejo, in the Department of Sucre, celebrates the patron saint with fireworks, dancing, and fandango until dawn.
Patronage in Costa Rica
The celebration of the feast day of their patron saint, Saint Blaise, takes place in Nicoya, in the province of Guanacaste. This parish was built in 1544, making it the oldest in the Central American country. The celebration begins with a procession from Nambí to Nicoya on February 1st. On the 3rd, a solemn Mass is celebrated, led by the Diocesan Bishop. Afterward, a procession of Saint Blaise takes place through the streets of the town.
At the end of the procession, the bread of San Blas, blessed by the Diocesan Bishop, is distributed. The following day, February 4th, a Mass for the Resurrection of the Dead is held, during which the faithful who are ill are anointed with the oil of the sick. In addition to the province of Nicoya, Costa Rica, the Day of San Blas is also celebrated in the Diocese of Cartago, in the province of Cartago.
Patronage in Italy
In this country, the patron saint's day in honor of Saint Blaise is celebrated in the town of Maratea, in the province of Potenza. In addition to the celebration of Mass, a procession is held from ancient Maratea to present-day La Maratea.
San Blas Day Celebration
The liturgical feast of Saint Blaise has been celebrated since ancient times on February 3rd, after the Virgin of Candelaria, in the Western Church, and on February 11th in the Eastern Church. This saint is represented in images and sphinxes with a pig, with interwoven candles, a carding rake at his feet, and an ornament.
In the tradition of celebrating Saint Blaise's Day on February 3rd, blessed bread is made to be eaten to heal the throat. This is to honor this saint as the patron saint of those with throat ailments, and this is the miracle with which he is most associated. He was a physician and bishop of Sebaste, in what is now Turkey, in the XNUMXrd and XNUMXth centuries. To protect himself from persecution by those who professed the Christian faith, he lived in a cave on Mount Argeus, where he healed people and animals, delivered the Eucharist, and evangelized his patients.
This saint has been venerated since ancient times in various countries across the American and European continents. Celebrations are held to commemorate his liturgical feast for several days, as in Mexico, where it lasts about six days in Oaxaca. The same is true in various Spanish communities, such as the province of Valencia.
Holiday in Mexico
Before February 3rd, the eve of the celebration takes place in honor of the patron saint of the town of San Blas Atempa, located in Oaxaca, Mexico. This is one of the longest-running festivals celebrated in the town, lasting about six days. It is one of the most important events in the town and is part of its main festivals. The town's citizens wear traditional regional costumes and parade through the main streets on bull carts and motorcycles, accompanied by their stewards, who address them as "shuanas" and "shelashuanas."
Celebrations in Spain
In this European country, Saint Blaise is a highly venerated saint, considered a miraculous saint. His liturgical feast day, February 3rd, is celebrated in various towns across Spain, with processions, liturgical celebrations, the sale of the typical and famous "Saint Blaise" doughnuts, the blessing of bread to take to throat patients, and other events in his honor.
Toril of Cáceres
The procession of Saint Blaise takes place. In the town, cords are made and carried during the procession, before being brought before the saint for blessing. In Toril de Cáceres, he is greatly venerated by people suffering from throat ailments.
Oviedo
In Oviedo, its celebration dates back to around the 1854th century. Once the congregation in honor of Bishop Saint Blaise de Sabaste was built and founded, a relic of the saint, a bone from his forearm, was kept in this convent in La Vega, and the tradition of kissing the relic began. In XNUMX, the nuns were expelled from the convent, so the tradition of kissing the relic of Saint Sebastian continued at the monastery of San Pelayo.
The nuns were welcomed into this monastery, and to fund the convent and the celebration of St. Blaise's Day, the "Pelayas" nuns made a large quantity of "San Blaise" rosquillas, which have become typical and have been very well received by the attendees, who buy them, and of which there is a record of 16.000 rosquillas sold in 2016.
Mirror in Cordoba
In the town of Espejo in Córdoba, bakeries make bread rolls on February 3rd, along with other breads made for that day. These bread rolls are then taken to be blessed and then given to the faithful who want to protect their throats from illness.
For the distribution of this bread roll on the feast day of San Blas, the Virgin of Candelaria, venerated on February 2nd, is carried out by hand, distributing the loaves from house to house. Bakery trucks also carry the loaves through the streets, where they are blessed upon arrival.
Saint Paul Saragossa
It is customary to eat the roscón in homage to San Blas, in the San Pablo neighborhood of Zaragoza, to celebrate the day of this Saint.
Ateca in Zaragoza
Saint Blaise's Day is celebrated with a parody featuring a character called "The Mask." He wears a yellow and red striped outfit, reminiscent of the flag of Aragon, and carries a saber and a wooden shield. This shield protects him from children throwing apples at him as he climbs San Blas Hill. On his way back, he descends the slope surrounded by children, and they all arrive together at the San Blas Chapel. The celebration ends with the distribution of sweets.
The Yérbenes in Toledo
Saint Blaise is the patron saint of the town of Los Yérbenes in Toledo. His liturgical feast day takes place on February 3rd with a fair featuring leftovers contests, raffles for various items, and a procession in which Saint Blaise is carried up the hill to his chapel.
Benaocaz in Cadiz
In the Spanish town of Benaocaz in Cádiz, the festivities in honor of Saint Blaise have been held since the 17th century. The main ceremony is the procession, which includes dancing and singing to folk music, such as "la ferigonza" and "abandolao." During the procession, the "saint dance" is a central attraction of the ceremony, combining the idolatrous and the religious.
This saint's dance consists of swinging the statue of Saint Blaise to the sound of brass bands singing lively and upbeat songs. In previous years, offerings were made to the saint, including the typical "San Blaise doughnuts" and cured meats. Once the procession was over, these offerings were given to the young men who entered military service that year, known as "quintos." Along with this, as part of the celebration, the bulls, usually tied up, were paraded through the town's streets.
Calmarza in Zaragoza
Saint Blaise is the patron saint of the town of Calmarza in Zaragoza. Here, unlike other places, Saint Blaise's Day is celebrated on the first Saturday of February; the main activity is the procession and the display of banners. Then, at dusk, in the main square of Calmarza, the town lights a giant bonfire in homage to Saint Blaise.
Albalate of the Nogueras in Cuenca
In this town, on the night before February 3rd, Saint Blaise's Day, a large bonfire is lit, and the following day, the day of the festival itself, an auction of "los royos" (the "royos"), sweet breads similar to the "roscón de Reyes" (Roscón de Reyes) is held. This takes place in the Plaza Mayor, where the breads had been offered to the saint moments before for blessing. On the evening of that same day, a street party is held.
Apiary in Malaga
In the community of Colmenar, Málaga, the festival of San Blas is celebrated on the first Sunday of February, beginning the festivities with a procession featuring the Virgin of Candelaria, as they are both patron saints of the town. The procession of San Blas and the Virgin of Candelaria remains in the streets for ten hours. This festival is very popular.
On February 3rd, a mass is held in commemoration of Saint Blaise, where locals bring their doughnuts to be blessed by the clergyman who officiates the Eucharist. The Association in charge of preparing for the feast of Saint Blaise, known as the "Friends of Saint Blaise," brings doughnuts for those attending.
Cáceres town of Robledollano
Saint Blaise is the patron saint of the municipality of Robledollano; here, the celebration of the feast of Saint Blaise takes place over three days. On February 3rd, the commemoration begins with a Mass followed by a procession enlivened by the Charanga (Basque Band). On the second day, February 4th, they celebrate the Day of Saint Blaise with the famous Parade of the Big Heads, also accompanied by the Charanga (Basque Band). This celebration is aimed at children. It culminates on February 5th with the feast of Saint Blaise; this day is family-oriented and less festive.
Prayers to Saint Blaise
In commemoration of Saint Blaise, on his feast day, the blessing of Saint Blaise is given. In ancient times, two torches were blessed with a prayer, then placed in the form of a cross over the heads of the faithful or touched to their throats. Likewise, in other places, oil was sanctified, and a burning wick was dipped into it; then, the throats of the praying parishioners were touched with this, and the following blessing was given.
«Per intercessionem S. Blasii liberet te Deus a malo gutteris et a quovis alio malo» (By the intercession of Saint Blaise God preserve you from sore throat and any other evil). In some dioceses it was added: "in nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus"
Prayer to San Blas to calm the cough
This saint is highly venerated by those suffering from voice, throat, larynx, and other diseases related to otorhinolaryngology. For this reason, he is the patron saint of otorhinolaryngologists. Prayers are offered to Saint Blaise for his protection and also for the healing of throat ailments.
Oh, celebrated Saint Blaise, who through your persecution has left the Church a precious testimony of faith, obtain for us the grace to safeguard within us this divine gift, and to defend, without human respect, both by word and example, the truth of that same faith, which is so wickedly attacked and slandered in these times.
You who miraculously healed a small child when he was about to die from a throat condition, confer your powerful protection in the same misfortunes; and, above all, obtain for ourselves the grace of repentance, together with a faithful observance of our Church, and avoid offending Almighty God. Amen
Prayer to San Blas to request protection
Glorious Saint Blaise, You who withdrew to a cave
Secluded from the world to speak better with God,
help us find our own conversation with Him.
You who trusted in God's strength, and in His infallible ability and power,
and that through works and miracles you managed to convert those who did not believe,
Transform our despair into faith, change our lament into contentment
and turns our scarcity into abundance.
Glorious Saint Blaise of Sebaste who answered the call of the Lord
You responded by offering the chalice of martyrdom , and you were persecuted and cruelly tortured.
grant us your holy intercession.
Saint Blaise, physician and martyr, a marvel of goodness and compassion
You gave so much comfort, love, and miracles, even on the long road to prison.
The people begged for your blessing, the remedy for their ills.
and the healing of their ailments, we beseech you to favor us
In these moments of great sorrow: (make the request)
Oh Saint Blaise, Bishop of Sebaste! We beseech your intercession
so that you may bring before the throne of the Most High
May this need that afflicts us today, may our pleas be heard and answered,
And may we never lack the voice to sing with you the praises of the Lord,
to seek His will, to implore His forgiveness and Divine mercy
and ask him for strength to serve him better.
Amen.
Pray three Our Fathers, three Hail Marys and three Glory Be's.
Places of worship to San Blas
After being tortured and beheaded, Saint Blaise was buried in the Cathedral of Sebaste. To transport part of his remains to Rome in 732, they were placed in a marble urn. During the transfer, a storm occurred that blew the boat carrying part of Saint Blaise's remains to the coast of Maratea, Italy. Upon learning that the boat was carrying part of Saint Blaise's remains, the faithful carefully kept them in the Basilica of Maratea, on Mount Saint Blaise. It is noteworthy that various churches claim to have a relic; they claim to have a relic of Saint Blaise.
According to a curious fact, it is said that in this Basilica of Saint Blaise of Maratea, on the right side of the Royal Chapel dedicated to the saint, an iron ball is displayed that was fired by French cannons when the French attacked the coasts of Maratea in December 1806. According to tradition, on the iron ball that was not exploded there are the easily visible marks that, according to legend, are the fingers of Saint Blaise's right hand.
La Endiablada, Popular Tradition
The Endiablada is a very old tradition whose origins are unknown. What is known is that between February 1 and 3, some 130 devils roam the streets of Almonacid del Marquesado, in the province of Cuenca, on the days that commemorate the church festivals of the Virgin of La Candelaria and the Day of Saint Blaise.
During the Endiablada festival, a procession of both saints takes place, while the devils, dressed in yellow and red striped costumes and with several cowbells hanging from their backs, perform dances and leaps. It is believed that this tradition originated from the Christianization of a Roman celebration called "Lupercalia," as the solution the settlers found to Pope Gelasius I's ban on this pagan festival.
Relationship with the Day of the Virgin of Candelaria
This explanation of the origin of the tradition of "La Endiablada" has to do with the birth of the Child Jesus. According to legend, when the Virgin Mary gave birth to the Child Jesus, she, following Jewish norms, had to present her son at the temple forty days after his birth. The purpose of the Feast of the Devils is for this group of men, who dress in bright colors, outlandish clothing, and make a lot of noise with cowbells, to distract the public so that the Virgin Mary can bring the child to the Temple without any mishaps or envious glances.
Relationship with the day of San Blas
According to legend, a shepherd from the village of Almonacid de Marquesado found a buried image of Saint Blaise and began a discussion with the neighboring town of Puebla Almenara to decide in which village the image of Saint Blaise would be kept. To resolve this dispute, they agreed that mules would decide where the image would remain.
The shepherds of Almonacid del Marquesado, when they saw where the mules were going, were very happy, they began to jump and ring their cowbells. This marked the beginning of the tradition of "La Endiablada," a reenactment of this moment. The men, dressed in flamboyant and flashy costumes, playing the roles of devils, represent the shepherds of Almonacid, shouting, ringing cowbells, and jumping joyfully.
Tradition today
Although its origin is unknown, the tradition of "La Endiablada" has been celebrated for many centuries in Almonacid del Marquesado. It is a popular devotion that celebrates two important days for Catholics: the Feast of Our Lady of Candelaria and the Feast of Saint Blaise.
The traditional celebration is distinguished by the fact that the devils, dressed in brightly colored, grotesque costumes, run through the streets of Almonacid, ringing cowbells and castanets while reciting poems addressed to the Virgin of Candelaria and Saint Blaise. They pay their respects to both saints, running up to stand in front of the images with open arms and running around them while ringing their cowbells.
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