Blaise

(15.th/16th cent.) (link)

Feast Day February 3

Patron of Throat Illnesses, Animals, Wool Combers, Wind Instruments

Situations Animal Diseases, Choking, Sore Throat

Professions Veterinarians, Wind Instrument Players, Wool Combers

Saint Blaise was a physician and Bishop of Sebastea in Armenia, martyred around 316 AD. According to tradition, while imprisoned he miraculously saved the life of a boy choking on a fishbone, which led to the custom of blessing throats on his feast day. He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.