I was at my local library today looking for books to use in my classroom and I drew a blank, on which saint is the Patron of Throat Illnesses. So, I approached a librarian and asked if she could google this question for me ~
"who is the saint known for the blessing of the throat?"
I was prepared for an odd look but I needed her help. I really momentarily blanked on the answer. I was thinking of St. Basil but I knew that wasn't right since his feast day was last month.
She surprised me by saying "oh that's easy, I don't need to google it. It's Saint Blaise and his feast day is coming up." I smiled while she searched the library system for a book about Saint Blaise with little result. A few minutes later, a young librarian approached and asked her what she was looking for. And she said, "a book about the saint who blesses throats." This young librarian said, "oh sure, that's Saint Blaise."
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Twice I was surprised and smiled!
Talking in a public place with strangers who were both familiar with this great saint! It made by day!
I'm a day early for his feast day but I wanted to share my experience.
To learn more about St. Blaise, go HERE
St. Blaise, pray for us!
Blessings,
Noreen
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Noreen,
ReplyDeleteI can just imagine you smiling while talking to the librarians about St Blaise! Did you discover whether they are Catholics?
Once, when I went for a blood test, the nurse started talking about names as she was filling in the details on my forms. She told me her name was Margaret. She said she didn't really like the name but we got to discussing all the wonderful saints with the same name. Yes, sometimes we can have the most delightful conversations when we least expect them.
Now I am thinking about a time when I used to wear a whole bunch of holy medals around my neck. Those medals sparked off loads of great conversations too. I stopped wearing them because they needed cleaning. They were leaving black marks on my clothes. I really should hunt them out. Funny how we stop doing things. I have a huge miraculous medal somewhere. I've been thinking about that too. I just can't remember where I have put it, but I feel the urge to wear it again.
I guess it all comes down to being visibly Catholic in our conversation, appearance and actions. God can act through all these means to draw other people close to Him
Thank you for sharing your story.
God bless!
You know, I didn't ask because they both went on to say they remember going to church to have their throats blessed. I had said that my church was doing the blessings this coming weekend and perhaps there's was too? Love that your necklace of medals was a conversation breaker about faith!
DeleteI whole-heartedly agree with Sue Elvis! I know that whenever I wear my crucifix on a chain (versus just a cross) or my miraculous medal conversations are sparked! I love that the librarians knew who St. Blaise was/is! Does your Parish do the blessing of the throats?!!! I can remember getting the blessing of the throat every year at school! Once, I had strep throat, and my mother took me up to the church specifically for the blessing! I sure could use that now...not sure my Parish does it anymore...I haven't experienced it in years!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Val
We did have the blessing last night at 5pm Mass. I was thrilled that almost the ENTIRE congregation went up for the blessing! That's too bad that your church doesn't do it anymore. Perhaps if they heard from you that they might consider it for next year?
DeleteMoments like those are definitely God-moments that are to convey, yes, keep the faith. Never give up hope. I would have been just giddy to hear that at our local libraries. (We live in Baptist country down here :)
ReplyDeleteYes, it certainly was a God-moment. Who knows who else within hearing range was blessed by that? Or thought they should go back to church? Or maybe the Holy Spirit removed "St. Blaise's" name from my memory so I would need to have this conversation with the librarians. Perhaps it was they, He was after?
DeleteP.S. We have a blessing at our parish every year. Had our throats blessed last night. Baby didn't know what to think! :)
ReplyDeleteYAY, we did too! I'm going back today for 10am Mass since it's part of teaching RE at my church. I'm going to mention to the parents of my students, to get them in line for the blessing. Class can start a few minutes late!
DeleteWhat a wonderful story. It's great to see that at least some people know about Christianity.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.