St. Blaise is the patron saint for sore throats.
Today, many of our students and staff welcomed the opportunity to have their throats blessed in the school oratory to mark the the Feast of St. Blaise.
 St. Blaise was a bishop and martyr who lived in the fourth century in Turkey and Armenia. For a time, Blaise lived in a cave to escape persecution.
On his feast the church recalls a miracle cure associated with him and celebrates the blessing of the throats. Blaise apparently saved the life of a boy who was choking on a fish bone.
The saint said that anyone who lit a candle in his memory would be free of infection, thus candles are used in the traditional throat blessing.
 He is the patron saint of throat illnesses, animals, wool combers, and wool trading.
A special thank you to Fr. Sebi, Mr Donnelly and Ms Kiernan for administering the blessing.