Next Wednesday, February 3rd, is Saint Blaise's Day. Bishop and martyr, he became known as the patron saint of the throat. On this date, churches around the world hold a blessing ceremony with blessed candles. The same occurs annually at the Sanctuary of Health and Peace, the church of Father Eustáquio, but 2021 will be different.

Since there is no Mass with the congregation present on Wednesdays, the celebration will take place in the chapel of the Provincial House of the Sacred Hearts in Belo Horizonte and will be broadcast online. Padre Eustáquio Channel.

During Holy Mass, the celebrant will proceed as instructed by the CNBB's Commission for the Liturgy. Due to health precautions related to the coronavirus pandemic, the “The "throat blessing," as it is known, should be performed as follows:

After the homily, two large candles, joined by a red ribbon, are blessed. After the blessing prayer and sprinkling the candles without saying anything, the priest will invite those present to remain in a spirit of prayer.

Next, the presiding person raises the candles in the shape of a cross (or crosses), joined by a red ribbon, towards the Assembly, and says the prayer once:“Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, may God deliver you from throat ailments and any other illness. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”. Amen.”

According to the guidelines of CNBB, This year, the gesture of touching people's necks with candles for blessing will not be performed, even in places where there will be in-person Mass.

The Holy Mass via the Padre Eustáquio Channel begins at 7 PM and can also be accessed via Facebook: @beatopadreeustaquio.