This week, the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Blaise (Wednesday, February 3), who was Bishop of Sebaste (now Turkey) and is the patron saint of people with diseases of the throat. There will be a general blessing in place of the traditional "Blessing of the Throats" at all Masses this weekend (January 30/31) and on February 3 for the feast day of Saint Blaise. As we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic in our lives, may God grant us healing through the intercession of this great saint.