It’s also the feast of St Ansgar, a ninth-century Benedictine monk from northern France who went as a missionary to Denmark and Sweden, where almost no one had heard the Gospel. He became archbishop of Hamburg, saw his cathedral burned by Vikings in 845, and kept going anyway. He’s called the Apostle of the North.
Historical Context
The candles for the Blessing of Throats are usually ones blessed the day before, at Candlemas, the feast of the Presentation, when Simeon called the infant Jesus “a light to lighten the Gentiles.”
A February 3 Prayer
Lord, on the feast of St Blaise,
protect us from every illness of the throat and body.
Heal those who are sick this winter.
Guard our voices, too, so we speak what is good and true.
And with St Ansgar, give us courage to keep going when our work seems to burn down.
Amen.
The Blessing of Throats
Through the intercession of St Blaise, bishop and martyr,
may God deliver you from every disease of the throat,
and from every other illness.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
A Prayer with St Ansgar
St Ansgar, you carried the faith to the North and never gave up.
Pray for missionaries, and for anyone whose work feels wasted.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On 3 February, at or after the Blessing of Throats.
- During cold and flu season.
- For singers, teachers and speakers.
Scripture Connection
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” — Psalm 19:14
A day for blessing throats is a good day to pray about what comes out of them.
Related prayers
For St Blaise, see the St Blaise Prayer. For the month, the February Prayer Guide. For St Brigid two days earlier, the St Brigid Prayer.