​​​​Blessing of Throats
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
 
On the Feast of St. Blaise, Tuesday, February 3rd, we will celebrate the traditional Blessing of Throats at the 9:00 AM Mass at St. Michael Church.
 
In addition, the Blessing of Throats will be offered at all Masses on the following weekend, February 7th and 8th, for all who wish to receive this special blessing.
 
Saint Blaise was a bishop and martyr who lived in the fourth century in the regions of present-day Turkey and Armenia. During a time of persecution, he lived in a cave, dedicating himself to prayer and closeness to God. The Church remembers him especially for a miracle of healing associated with his intercession. Tradition tells that he saved the life of a boy who was choking on a fish bone. Because of this, he is invoked as a protector against illnesses of the throat.
 
It is said that those who lit a candle in his memory would be protected from infection. For this reason, candles are used in the traditional blessing of throats, reminding us that Christ is the light who brings healing and life.
 
Saint Blaise is counted among the Fourteen Holy Helpers, saints long honored by the faithful as powerful intercessors in times of illness and need. He is the patron saint of those suffering from throat illnesses, as well as of animals, wool workers, and those involved in wool trading.
 
Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, may the Lord protect us from illness, strengthen us in faith, and help us to trust always in His healing presence.

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On Saturday morning, January 24, twenty-six of our second-grade students participated in their retreat as they continue their journey of sacramental preparation. Next Saturday, January 31, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael Church, they will receive their First Sacrament of Reconciliation, a beautiful moment of God’s mercy and healing as they prepare for First Holy Communion.

​​​​Let us keep these children in our prayers, that their hearts may be open to the grace of this sacred encounter with Christ, and that they may grow in love, trust, and joy in their faith.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Michael Buckley and Matt Doherty for generously leading the retreat, to our DRE Eric and Yi for their dedicated guidance, and especially to the parents, whose loving presence and support are essential in nurturing their children’s faith. May God bless all who accompany these young hearts on their spiritual journey.

Rooted in prayer and Sacred Scripture, through weekly Bible sharing and monthly gatherings, the Young Adults of St. Michael seek to grow together, to deepen our relationship with Christ, share our faith, foster meaningful connections, serve others with love, and glorify God in all that we do. 

All those between the ages of 21 and 37 are warmly welcome to join our Young Adults WhatsApp group by scanning the WhatsApp QR code. 

The Young Adults Group of St. Michael’s held its monthly gathering on Wednesday, January 14, the second Wednesday of the month. The evening focused on the Church’s teaching on the Blessed Virgin Mary and was presented by Paul.
 
Paul offered a holistic overview of Marian doctrine, drawing from the Old Testament and the New Testament, as well as from the witness of the Church Fathers and the teachings of Church Councils. The presentation explored Mary as Mother of God, the Immaculate Conception, the Assumption, and the virtues of Mary as a model of faith and discipleship.
 
The next Young Adults gathering will take place on Wednesday, February 11, one week before Ash Wednesday, and will focus on the spirituality of Lent. All young adults are warmly invited and encouraged to attend.
 
In addition, the Young Adults of St. Michael’s will host the 10:00 AM Mass on the fourth Sunday of each month. We thank them for their active participation and generous service to our parish community.

St. Michael Parish will close when Bedford Public Schools is closed for weather-related reasons.