Today is Candlemas, when the Catholic Church blesses the
candles to be used during its liturgy. Tomorrow is the feast-day of Saint
Blaise, patron of ailments of the throat. Some churches still do the Blessing
of the Throat, in which the priest uses the newly-blessed candles to bless the
throats of congregants.
Saints become patrons in peculiar ways. Clare had a vision
on the wall in front of her and became the patroness of television. Joseph of
Cupertino levitated helplessly, yelping and crying, and became the patron of
aviators. Blaise miraculously made a child cough up a fishbone, thus making him
Mister Throat.
The Church asks and answers the question: Why doesn’t God
always cure ailments of the throat, even if you pray for it? Why doesn’t he
cure everything, while he’s at it? It’s a mystery.
Mystery schmystery. It’s still a pretty good question.
Disclosure: Partner gave a Saint Blaise medal last year,
which I carry with me religiously, you should pardon the expression.
What could it hurt?
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