HUNTERSVILLE — Like other churches across the Diocese of Charlotte, St. Mark Church continued the tradition of giving throat blessings on the feast of St. Blaise, Feb. 3. Father John Putnam, pastor, and Deacon Tom McGahey blessed people’s throats after Mass.
During his homily Father Putnam said, “Throughout the history of the Church, from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry all the way up to the present, there have been those who see the power of God, those who see how He works in the world and how He works in the lives of others. Nevertheless, there are still those who oppose the message, those who fail to open their hearts to His grace.
We are reminded of the importance of always really asking ourselves, ‘How open I am to the work of God’s grace in my life?’ And so, on the Feast of St. Blaise as we ask for his intercession to keep us free from illness, I think that we also ask for the strength and the fortitude to follow his example. That we stand up for Christ and to be prepared to suffer for His name if that is what we end up being asked to do.” St. Blaise was a physician and bishop who was martyred by being beaten, attacked with iron combs, and beheaded. Little is known about him prior to his mention in a court physician’s medical journal. The physician, Aëtius Amidenus, spoke of St. Blaise’s aid in treating objects caught in the throat.
— Photos by Amy Burger
