St. Blaise was born in Armenia to a rich Christian family. Details of his early life are scarce, but he grew up to be a bishop. During his reign, Christians in Armenia were persecuted. He received a message from God to go into the hills and escape persecution. While in the hills, he discovered a cave of sick wild animals and cured them. His actions were discovered, and he was put on trial. While traveling to his trial, he saved a pig that belonged to a poor woman from being eaten by a wolf. She mercifully brought him food in prison until he was killed. St. Blaise is the patron saint of wild animals and those with throat maladies, stemming from a story that St. Blaise healed a boy who had a fish bone stuck in his throat. His feast day is February 3.
Questions for Reflection:
- St. Blaise took special care of the animals he encountered. How do you care for animals, whether household pets or neighborhood wildlife?
- How could you treat these creatures better?
