We always associate St. Blase with the throat. According to legend, one day a mother went to see him asking for help for her son who was suffocating with fishbone. The saint healed him by making the sign of the cross. When St. Blase was imprisoned later for his faith, the same woman brought him food and candles. This is where the tradition of applying two candles to the throat, while at the same time invoking the saint came from. What one swallows is important, but more important is what you say.

How do you use your words? Can you heal and comfort with them?

Candlemas Until Vatican II, it was celebrated primarily as a Marian feast, but since then it has become Christological first, since it commemorates the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Having focused so much on the Virgin has a strong theological meaning, since it is Mary, who carries Jesus in her arms, the bearer of light, the Candlemas. One of the most important aspects of this story is the recognition of Jesus as the Savior by Simeon.

How do we recognize those who bring us Jesus? Who is a bearer of light for us? How will I be a bearer of light today?

By Carmen F. Aguinaco

St. Ignatius, who was also known as “Theophorus” or bearer of God, was the third bishop of Antioch, where the disciples began calling themselves Christians. In addition to his testimony as a martyr he left us seven letters that exhorts Christians to live in unity with Christ, “bread of God.”  “I am God's wheat, and I am to be ground by the teeth of wild beasts, so that I may become the pure bread of Christ,” St. Ignatius said before being martyred.

How do I cherish the Eucharist? How can I become bread for others? Who needs my help today?
 

As a child, Bathildis, was kidnapped and sold as a slave to the king. She was devoted to simply doing her work as best as she could, capturing the attention of the king, who fell in love with her. They were married and had three children. Upon the death of the king, St. Bathildis continued to reign with simplicity until her son reached adulthood. She used her position to help the poor and defend the church.

Have you ever seen an example of kindness and righteous living so powerful that it has challenged you to change your own life?