St. Blaise
| St. Blaise | |
|---|---|
| Saint | St. Blaise |
| Stage | Saint |
| Birthdate | Not known |
| Birthplace | Not known, traditionally Sebaste, Armenia |
| Birth Coordinates | |
| Deathdate | c. 316 AD |
| Death Place | Sebaste, Armenia (modern-day Sivas, Turkey) |
| Death Coordinates | |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom |
| Notable Location 1 | Cave near Sebaste, Armenia |
| Notable Location 1 Coordinates | |
| Notable Location 2 | |
| Notable Location 2 Coordinates | |
| Notable Location 3 | |
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| Notable Location 4 | |
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| Notable Location 5 | |
| Notable Location 5 Coordinates | |
| Beatification Date | Not applicable |
| Beatified by | |
| Beatification Location | |
| Canonized | Yes |
| Canonization Date | Recognized as a saint from early times; no formal date |
| Canonized by | |
| Canonization Location | |
| Miracle 1 | Cured a child from choking on a fish bone |
| Miracle 2 | Healed animals |
| Miracle 3 | Commanded a wolf to return a pig |
| Feast Day | February 3 (Western Church), February 11 (Eastern Church) |
| Profession | Physician, Bishop |
| Religious Affiliation | |
| Patronage | Throat illnesses, wool combers, wild animals, Dubrovnik |
| Attributes | Candles, crossed candles, iron combs, bishop's mitre and staff |
| Primary Shrine | St. Blaise Church, Dubrovnik, Croatia |
| Additional Veneration | Also recognized by the Eastern Orthodox Church |
St. Blaise, known as Blasius in some traditions, was a bishop and martyr from the early 4th century, whose life and martyrdom are surrounded by legends[1]. He is famously associated with the blessing of throats, a practice still observed on his feast day[2]. His miracles include healing animals and curing a child of choking, which has led to his patronage of throat ailments[3].
Biography
Birth
The exact birthplace and date of St. Blaise are not known, but tradition places his origins in Sebaste, Armenia[4].
Early Life
He was educated in philosophy and medicine, indicating a scholarly background[5].
Occupation
Before his episcopal role, Blaise was a physician, known for his healing abilities[4].
Vocation
He became the bishop of Sebaste, known for his pastoral care and miracles[2].
Death
St. Blaise was martyred around 316 AD during the persecution of Christians under Licinius[3].
Significant events
- Lived as a hermit in a cave, where he was reputed to have healed animals[5].
- Miraculously saved a child choking on a fish bone[3].
- Commanded a wolf to return a pig to its owner[4].
Death
St. Blaise met his end through martyrdom, being beaten, tortured with iron combs, and ultimately beheaded for refusing to renounce his faith[1].
Canonization
Servant of God
St. Blaise was not formally recognized as a Servant of God since he predates the modern canonization process[2].
Venerable
Not applicable; recognized as a saint by tradition[2].
Beatification
Not formally beatified; recognized as a saint by the early Church[2].
Canonization
Canonized by tradition; no formal canonization date as he was recognized as a saint from early Christian times[2].
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
Not applicable, but his miracles are well-documented in hagiography, including the miracle of healing a choking child[3].
Miracle for canonization
Not applicable; his sainthood is based on tradition and early Church recognition[2].
Other notable miracles
- Healing of animals in the wilderness[4]. - Commanding a wolf to return a pig[4].
Patronage
St. Blaise is the patron saint of throat illnesses, wool combers, wild animals, and the city of Dubrovnik[2].
Feast day
His feast day is observed on February 3 in the Western Church and February 11 in the Eastern Church[2].
Veneration
St. Blaise is venerated through the "Blessing of the Throats" on his feast day, using candles blessed on Candlemas. His relics are kept in Dubrovnik, and he is widely venerated in both Western and Eastern Christianity[2].
Books
Written about the saint
- No specific modern books were listed, but his legend is recounted in various hagiographies[4].
Written by the saint
- St. Blaise did not leave any known written works[4].
External links
- Catholic Online article on St. Blaise[2]
- Britannica's biography on St. Blaise[1]
- My Catholic Life article on St. Blaise[3]
- Wikipedia entry on Saint Blaise[4]
- Catholic Straight Answers on St. Blaise[5]