This observance appears in the catholic calendar with liturgical color green .
Saint Ansgar, known as the "Apostle of the North," was a dedicated bishop and missionary who played a pivotal role in introducing the faith to Scandinavia, particularly Denmark and Sweden.
Saint Ansgar, also known as Oscar, was a Benedictine monk and bishop who dedicated his life to spreading the faith in Northern Europe during the 9th century. Appointed by Emperor Louis the Pious, he undertook challenging missionary journeys to Denmark and Sweden, establishing churches and schools despite considerable resistance and setbacks from Viking raids and pagan opposition. As the first Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen, he worked tirelessly to organize and strengthen the nascent communities, laying foundational structures for the future growth of the Church in the region and earning his title as the "Apostle of the North" for his enduring evangelistic efforts.
Saint Ansgar, also known as Oscar, was born in 801 in Corbie, Picardy, a region now part of modern-day France, into a noble Frankish family. From a young age, he was placed under the care of Benedictine monks at the Corbie Abbey, a renowned center of learning and piety. Here, he received a comprehensive education, immersing himself in Scripture, theology, and classical studies. His spiritual formation was profound, and he quickly distinguished himself through his intellectual acumen and deep devotion. At the age of 16, he made his solemn vows and became a Benedictine monk, dedicating his life to God within the monastic tradition. His superiors soon recognized his exceptional talents and entrusted him with teaching responsibilities at the newly founded monastery of Corvey in Saxony, an offshoot of Corbie, where he served as a respected educator and spiritual guide.
The trajectory of Ansgar's life shifted dramatically when, in 826, Emperor Louis the Pious, son of Charlemagne, sought a missionary to accompany Harald Klak, a recently converted Danish king, back to his homeland. Harald, baptized in Mainz, needed a spiritual guide to help establish the Christian faith in Denmark, a land still largely pagan. Ansgar, despite his youth and the daunting nature of the task, volunteered for this perilous mission, demonstrating an extraordinary zeal for evangelization. His commitment was not merely an act of obedience but stemmed from a genuine desire to spread the Gospel to distant lands, a desire that would define his entire ministry. This initial foray, though brief due to Harald's expulsion from Denmark, laid the groundwork for Ansgar's future endeavors and solidified his reputation as a courageous and dedicated missionary.
Upon Harald Klak's return to Denmark, Ansgar accompanied him, marking his first direct engagement with the Scandinavian people. This mission proved challenging; the political instability and strong pagan traditions made immediate large-scale conversions difficult. Despite the setbacks, Ansgar established a school in Schleswig, a significant step in introducing Christian education and culture. He worked patiently, preaching, teaching, and living an exemplary life among the Danes. While Harald's reign was short-lived and he was soon exiled again, Ansgar's presence, even for a limited time, served as a vital initial contact, demonstrating the Church's commitment to evangelizing the North. He learned valuable lessons about the local culture and the resilience required for missionary work in a hostile environment, preparing him for even greater challenges ahead.
Ansgar's missionary zeal soon led him further north. In 829, a delegation from Sweden, seeking Christian teachers, arrived at Emperor Louis's court. Ansgar, once again, was the chosen candidate. Accompanied by a fellow monk, Witmar, he embarked on a perilous journey across the Baltic Sea, enduring pirate attacks that cost them their possessions but not their resolve. They arrived in Birka (Björkö), a vital trading center in Sweden, where they were granted permission by King Björn to preach the Gospel. Ansgar established the first Christian church in Sweden, a pivotal moment in the evangelization of the region. He spent several years there, baptizing converts, building a small Christian community, and laying the foundations for the future Church, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and perseverance in a foreign land.
Recognizing Ansgar's unparalleled success and dedication, Emperor Louis the Pious appointed him the first Archbishop of Hamburg in 831, a newly created see intended to be the center for missions to the North. Pope Gregory IV confirmed this appointment and bestowed upon Ansgar the pallium, designating him as papal legate for the Scandinavian and Slavic missions. This elevated his authority and provided crucial ecclesiastical backing for his work. Despite this official recognition, Ansgar faced immense challenges, including the destruction of Hamburg by Viking raiders in 845, which forced him to relocate his see to Bremen. He tirelessly worked to rebuild the archdiocese and consolidate its position, often traveling back to Denmark and Sweden to support the struggling Christian communities there, always prioritizing the spread of the Gospel over personal comfort or safety.
Ansgar's life was a testament to unwavering faith and relentless effort. He faced constant opposition from pagan leaders, political instability, and the devastating impact of Viking incursions, which repeatedly threatened to undo his work. Despite these trials, he never abandoned his mission. He maintained correspondence with his converts, sent new missionaries, and continued to preach and teach whenever opportunity arose. His personal piety was profound, marked by ascetic practices, visions, and a deep devotion to prayer. He died in 865 in Bremen, having dedicated nearly four decades to the evangelization of the North. Though the full conversion of Scandinavia would take centuries after his death, Saint Ansgar's pioneering efforts, his courage, and his strategic vision laid the essential groundwork, earning him the enduring title of the "Apostle of the North" and cementing his place as one of the most significant figures in early medieval Christian history. His feast day is celebrated on February 3rd, commemorating his invaluable contributions to the Church.
The city of Hamburg, nestled by the Elbe, was more than just a burgeoning port; it was the vibrant heart of Saint Ansgar’s ambitious mission to the North. Here, as Archbishop, he had established a cathedral, a monastery, and a school, nurturing the tender shoots of Christianity in a land still largely bound by pagan traditions. All seemed to flourish under his diligent care, a testament to years of tireless labor and fervent prayer.
But then, in the fateful summer of 845, the shadow of the dragon ships fell upon the horizon. A vast fleet of Danish Vikings, hungry for plunder and destruction, descended upon Hamburg. The alarm bells rang, but resistance was futile against such overwhelming force. Flames engulfed the nascent city, devouring homes, churches, and the very cathedral Ansgar had so painstakingly built. The monastery, the school, the precious books, the sacred vessels – all were reduced to ashes. The fledgling Christian community scattered in terror, their hopes seemingly consumed by the inferno.
Ansgar himself, witnessing the utter devastation from afar, felt the profound weight of loss. Everything he had poured his life into building, every physical manifestation of his mission, was gone. His companions despaired, questioning the providence of God in such a catastrophe. Yet, in that moment of profound desolation, Ansgar’s spirit remained unyielding. He did not curse, nor did he lament with bitter words. Instead, with a heart heavy but resolute, he uttered words that would echo through the ages, a testament to his profound faith: "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." It was a direct echo of Job, demonstrating a divine resignation and unwavering trust in God's ultimate plan, even amidst ruin.
His concern was not for his own suffering or loss, but for the scattered flock and the sacred relics. He meticulously gathered what little remained, safeguarding the holy objects as if they were his very children. With the city in ruins, Ansgar, undeterred by the magnitude of the disaster, understood that his mission was not tied to bricks and mortar, but to souls. The fire had consumed buildings, but it could not extinguish the flame of faith within him, nor his commitment to the peoples of the North.
Driven by an indomitable will and a conviction that God’s work must continue, he sought refuge and support from Emperor Louis the German. Though stripped of his material possessions and his see in ruins, Ansgar tirelessly worked to consolidate his archdiocese with Bremen, eventually becoming Archbishop of the united see of Hamburg-Bremen. From this new base, he continued his arduous journeys to Denmark and Sweden, nurturing the scattered Christian communities and establishing new foundations, proving that true apostleship transcends earthly misfortunes. His response to the devastation of Hamburg was not despair, but a profound act of faith, revealing the unbreakable spirit of the Apostle of the North.
c. 870s AD
After the man of God, Ansgar, had returned from his journey to Sweden, as has been related above, and had made known to the emperor all that had happened to him, and how he had labored in the Lord's work, and had converted many to the faith, the emperor was greatly pleased at his report. And since he had heard that the people of the North were still in the darkness of paganism, and that there was no one to preach the word of God to them, he began to consider how he might send more missionaries to them. And since he knew that the man of God, Ansgar, was fervent in the work of God, and ready for all good works, he determined to send him again to them.
And since it was not fitting for him to go alone, and since it was necessary that a bishop should be appointed for the people of the North, he determined to appoint him archbishop, and to give him a see in the city of Hamburg, which is situated on the Elbe, and is a convenient place for sending missionaries to the North. And when he had made known his intention to the man of God, Ansgar, he was pleased at the emperor's proposal, and was ready to undertake the burden.
And when the emperor had made known his intention to the bishops of his kingdom, they were all pleased at his proposal, and agreed to it. And when all things had been prepared, the emperor sent the man of God, Ansgar, to Rome, to the apostolic see, that he might receive the pallium from the lord pope, and be appointed archbishop.
And when he had come to Rome, he was received with great honor by the lord pope Gregory, who, when he had heard of his zeal for the salvation of souls, and of his labors in the Lord's work, was greatly pleased at his report. And when he had received the pallium from the lord pope, and had been appointed archbishop, he returned to the emperor, and made known to him all that had happened to him. And when he had returned to the emperor, he was received with great joy by him, and was sent to his see in Hamburg, that he might begin his work there.
And when he had come to his see, he began to labor with all diligence in the Lord's work. He built a cathedral, and a monastery, and a school, and gathered around him many disciples, and sent them forth to preach the word of God to the people of the North. And he himself often went forth to preach the word of God to them, and to baptize those who believed. And he labored with great zeal, and converted many to the faith, and established many churches, and did many other good works.
But after some time, it happened that the Normans, who are a fierce and warlike people, attacked the city of Hamburg, and plundered it, and burned it to the ground. And when the man of God, Ansgar, saw this, he was greatly grieved, but he did not despair. He gathered together the relics of the saints, and the sacred vessels, and all that he could save from the fire, and fled from the city. And when he had fled from the city, he had no place to lay his head, and he wandered about from place to place, preaching the word of God to the people, and comforting those who were in affliction.
And after some time, it happened that the emperor, when he had heard of the destruction of Hamburg, was greatly grieved, and began to consider how he might restore the see. And since he knew that the man of God, Ansgar, was fervent in the work of God, and ready for all good works, he determined to restore the see, and to give him a new see in the city of Bremen, which is situated on the Weser, and is a convenient place for sending missionaries to the North. And when he had made known his intention to the man of God, Ansgar, he was pleased at the emperor's proposal, and was ready to undertake the burden.
And when the emperor had made known his intention to the bishops of his kingdom, they were all pleased at his proposal, and agreed to it. And when all things had been prepared, the emperor sent the man of God, Ansgar, to his new see in Bremen, that he might begin his work there. And when he had come to his new see, he began to labor with all diligence in the Lord's work. He built a cathedral, and a monastery, and a school, and gathered around him many disciples, and sent them forth to preach the word of God to the people of the North. And he himself often went forth to preach the word of God to them, and to baptize those who believed. And he labored with great zeal, and converted many to the faith, and established many churches, and did many other good works.
And thus, the man of God, Ansgar, labored with great zeal for the salvation of souls, and converted many to the faith, and established many churches, and did many other good works. And when he had finished his course, he was called to his reward, and he departed to the Lord in peace. And he was buried in the church which he had built in Bremen, and his memory is held in honor by all the faithful.
Saint Blaise, a bishop and martyr, is venerated as the patron saint of throat ailments and wool combers, widely known for his miraculous healing of a boy with a fish bone in his throat.
Saint Blaise, Bishop of Sebaste and a martyr who died around 316 AD, was a physician before he became a bishop, known for his healing powers and compassion towards both humans and wild animals. He is particularly revered for a miracle in which he saved a boy choking on a fish bone, an event that led to the traditional Blessing of St. Blaise, where two candles are held to the throat, invoked on his feast day to protect against throat diseases. As one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, his enduring legacy emphasizes his role as a protector and healer, embodying the Church's care for the physical and spiritual well-being of its faithful.
Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, emerges from the early fourth century as a figure of profound spiritual and physical healing, whose life story intertwines the compassion of a physician with the unwavering faith of a bishop. Born in Sebaste, Armenia (modern-day Sivas, Turkey), Blaise initially embraced the medical profession, where his skills and benevolent nature earned him widespread respect. He was known not only for his ability to treat physical ailments but also for his deep empathy and understanding of human suffering, qualities that foreshadowed his later spiritual ministry. His medical practice was not merely a livelihood but a calling, viewed through the lens of Christian charity, preparing him for a greater service to God and humanity.
Such was his reputation for sanctity and wisdom that, upon the death of the Bishop of Sebaste, the people unanimously chose Blaise to succeed him. He reluctantly accepted the episcopal office, recognizing the immense spiritual responsibility it entailed. During the fierce persecutions under the Roman Emperor Licinius, a period when Christians faced brutal torture and and death for their faith, Saint Blaise sought refuge in a cave on Mount Argeus. This was not an act of cowardice but a strategic withdrawal to continue his spiritual practices and protect his flock, ministering to them in secret while living a life of asceticism and prayer. It was here, in this secluded natural sanctuary, that an extraordinary aspect of his legend began to unfold.
In his wilderness retreat, Blaise's sanctity became apparent even to the wild beasts of the forest. According to tradition, sick and injured animals would seek him out, approaching him without fear, and he would heal them with a touch or a prayer. This unique rapport with creation underscored his profound connection to God's natural order and his universal compassion. His peaceful existence was eventually interrupted when hunters, sent by the governor Agricola to capture wild beasts for the amphitheater games, stumbled upon his cave. Instead of finding fierce animals, they discovered Blaise surrounded by docile creatures, an image of serene authority that immediately marked him as a holy man. Recognizing him as a Christian bishop, they seized him and brought him before the governor.
Upon his capture, Saint Blaise was brought to Agricola, who attempted to force him to renounce his faith and offer sacrifices to pagan gods. Blaise steadfastly refused, declaring his unwavering devotion to Christ. It was during this ordeal that his most famous miracle occurred. A desperate mother approached him, pleading for his help for her son, who was choking on a fish bone lodged in his throat and was near death. Despite his own perilous situation, Blaise, with a simple prayer and a touch, miraculously dislodged the bone, saving the boy's life. This act of compassion and divine intervention, even in the face of his own impending martyrdom, cemented his legacy as a healer of throat ailments. Another touching account tells of a poor woman whose pig had been stolen by a wolf; Blaise miraculously restored the pig to her. Later, while he was in prison, this grateful woman brought him food and candles to provide light in his dark cell, an act that is believed to be the origin of the tradition of using candles in the Blessing of St. Blaise.
Agricola, enraged by Blaise's refusal to apostatize and by his continued performance of miracles, subjected him to horrific tortures. He was scourged, hung from a tree, and his flesh was torn with iron combs used for carding wool, a brutal implement that led to his patronage of wool combers. Despite the excruciating pain, Blaise remained resolute in his faith, his prayers echoing through the torture chamber. His unwavering fortitude further angered the governor, who finally condemned him to be beheaded. Before his execution, he was thrown into a lake, but he miraculously walked on the water, inviting his tormentors to join him and prove the power of their gods. When they drowned, he was brought back to shore and finally martyred by decapitation around 316 AD.
Saint Blaise's martyrdom solidified his place among the revered saints of the Church. His feast day is celebrated on February 3rd, and he is widely invoked as the patron saint against diseases of the throat, due to his miraculous healing of the choking boy. This patronage is famously observed through the "Blessing of St. Blaise," where two candles, blessed on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas), are held in a cross formation against the throat of the faithful, with a prayer for protection from all throat ailments. He is also honored as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a group of saints whose intercession is believed to be particularly efficacious in various needs. The enduring devotion to Saint Blaise across centuries and continents underscores his profound importance in the Christian tradition, not only as a powerful intercessor but as a timeless example of courage, compassion, and unwavering faith in the face of persecution. His life continues to inspire believers to trust in divine providence and to minister to those in need, both physically and spiritually.
In the dark days of persecution under Emperor Licinius, Saint Blaise, a humble physician turned revered Bishop of Sebaste, found refuge not in fortified walls, but in the solitude of a mountain cave. It was here, amidst the rugged peaks and whispering winds, that his extraordinary compassion extended beyond human kind. Wild beasts, sensing his profound holiness, would gather around him, seeking solace and healing for their ailments. A lioness, a bear, even a wolf with a thorn in its paw – all would approach him without fear, and he, with gentle touch and fervent prayer, would bring them relief.
One day, as hunters scoured the mountainside for game, they stumbled upon Blaise’s hidden sanctuary. Instead of savage beasts, they found the holy man surrounded by tranquil animals, an image of peace in a world consumed by violence. Recognizing him as the Christian bishop they sought, they seized him and dragged him before the ruthless governor, Agricola.
Even as he faced interrogation and the threat of torture, Blaise’s heart remained open to suffering. A frantic mother, her face etched with despair, pushed through the crowd, clutching her young son. The boy was blue, gasping for breath, a fish bone lodged deep in his throat, threatening to steal his life. The mother, having heard of Blaise’s healing touch, fell to her knees, pleading for mercy. Despite his own perilous situation, Blaise, with eyes full of divine love, laid his hand upon the child's throat and invoked the name of God. In that instant, the bone dislodged, and the boy drew a deep, life-giving breath, saved by the saint’s miraculous intercession.
Later, while Blaise languished in the governor's dungeon, awaiting his cruel fate, another grateful soul appeared. It was a poor old woman whose pig had been stolen by a wolf. Blaise, from his cave, had miraculously commanded the wolf to return the pig, which it did, unharmed. Now, remembering his kindness, she brought him a small offering: some food and two candles, to light his dark cell and warm his spirit. This simple act of gratitude, born from a humble heart, became a symbol of the light and healing that Saint Blaise continues to bring to the faithful, forever linking his memory with the blessing of throats and the power of prayer.
13th Century
Blaise was a physician, and after that he was chosen bishop of the city of Sebaste. When the persecution was moved against the Christians, he was taken by the paens and put in prison. And as he was led to prison, a woman brought her child to him, which was like to be choked to death by a fish bone in his throat. And he made his prayer to our Lord, and commanded that the bone should pass out of his throat, and anon he was whole. And then the woman worshipped God and Saint Blaise, and went her way. And after this, the child was whole. And after this, the woman brought to him in prison a candle and a piece of bread. And Saint Blaise thanked her, and promised her that whatsoever woman brought every year a candle to the church of Saint Blaise, that she should have health and prosperity. And after this, he was brought before the judge, and was commanded to do sacrifice to the idols. And he answered, saying: I will not do sacrifice to the devils, but to my God, which is King of kings. Then the judge commanded that he should be beaten with rods. And so he was beaten, and after that he was hanged up by the hands, and his flesh was torn with iron combs. And after this, he was thrown into the fire, and the fire consumed him not. And after this, he was thrown into the water, and he walked upon the water as upon the dry land. And then he was taken out of the water, and was beheaded. And so he suffered martyrdom. And thus Saint Blaise, after he had suffered many torments, he rendered his spirit to our Lord, and rests in peace.
The Blessing of the Throats, where two blessed candles are held in a cross shape against the throat of the faithful during a special prayer for protection from throat ailments.
This tradition stems from Saint Blaise's miraculous healing of a boy who was choking on a fish bone.
The City of Dubrovnik celebrates the Feast of Saint Blaise (Festa Svetog Vlaha) with a grand procession, traditional costumes, and special blessings, which has been recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
Saint Blaise is the patron saint of Dubrovnik, credited with saving the city from a Venetian invasion in the 10th century.
A traditional Dubrovnik dish consisting of macaroni pasta served with a rich, dark beef goulash or meat sauce, literally meaning 'dirty macaroni' due to the sauce's color.
This dish is a traditional culinary highlight served during the Feast of Saint Blaise (Festa Svetog Vlaha) in Dubrovnik, where Saint Blaise is the patron saint.