The chapel of St. Joseph's Health Center in St. Charles, Missouri is a special place for me. I have been a patient at the hospital many times through the years, eventually worked as a chaplain there in the pastoral care department, and have visited many relatives and friends receiving treatment there. Making a visit to the chapel has been part of the routine on many occasions.
Today, the church seeks the intercession of St. Blaise in a very unique way. The blessing of throats with crossed candles is one of my favorite traditions of praying for those who are in need. Since being ordained a deacon I have always looked forward to February 3. This morning I joined the pastor at the Cathedral of St. Mary for the 6:45 A.M. Mass in which we blessed everyone's throat at the end of Mass. At 8:00 A.M, I proceeded to St. Mary's School for their morning prayer service and joined three other clergy members to bless the throats of all the students, teachers, staff, and visitors. Catholic Schools Week had drawn in quite a number of visitors for the prayer service. What a wonderful gathering it was!
The healing power of God is experienced in many ways. Celebrating the Memorial of St. Blaise today, and continuing the prayers of Our Lady of Lourdes Novena up until the feast day on February 11, reminds us that God's grace, mercy and healing are poured out in abundance upon us. May you be touched by God's love in a profound way today!
Today, the church seeks the intercession of St. Blaise in a very unique way. The blessing of throats with crossed candles is one of my favorite traditions of praying for those who are in need. Since being ordained a deacon I have always looked forward to February 3. This morning I joined the pastor at the Cathedral of St. Mary for the 6:45 A.M. Mass in which we blessed everyone's throat at the end of Mass. At 8:00 A.M, I proceeded to St. Mary's School for their morning prayer service and joined three other clergy members to bless the throats of all the students, teachers, staff, and visitors. Catholic Schools Week had drawn in quite a number of visitors for the prayer service. What a wonderful gathering it was!
The healing power of God is experienced in many ways. Celebrating the Memorial of St. Blaise today, and continuing the prayers of Our Lady of Lourdes Novena up until the feast day on February 11, reminds us that God's grace, mercy and healing are poured out in abundance upon us. May you be touched by God's love in a profound way today!
RSS Feed
