Photo was taken at St.John’s Well, Aubane, Millstreet, Co.Cork (Irl)

Yesterday morning was a good one to be out after all the snow showers on Friday. These fir trees are particularly laden with snow and their new temporary colour really makes them stand out. In Ireland we don’t see much snow so any chance to share some of these photos is always welcome.

Virtually nothing is known with certainty about the life of St.Blaise but as long as people suffer from sore throats, devotion to him will live on. We’re told he came from a wealthy background who became a bishop at an early age. In order to escape persecution he took refuge in a cave where his only companions were wild animals. He cured them of various ailments and many came to to receive his blessing.
His association with sore throats perhaps originates in the fact that at least in Europe his feast day comes at the time of year when people are most likely to be suffering from a sore throat. It is said that while in prison he cured a boy who had a fish bone stuck in his throat. He healed many people and was hugely popular in his time. His popularity is as strong as ever today and many get their throats blessed during this day.
Today is his feast day and we ask his many blessing on us. Amen