The traditional celebration of the Feast of St Blaise, organised by the residents of San Blas, is being held on Sunday, the 28th of January, at San Blas bocci pitch in Nadur, Gozo, from 9.30am onwards with a march by the Mnarja Band.

This will be followed at 10.30am by an open-air Holy Mass with Archpriest Mons Jimmy Xerri. In the case of bad weather the Mass will be held indoors.

The organisers are inviting people to bring their pets and animals to be blessed, together with the agricultural produce which will be presented by local farmers. There will also be an exhibition of vintage vehicles.

For those who require it there will be free transport from Thames Garage at 10am, near the Mnarja Band Club.

St Blaise is the Patron Saint of those with maladies of the throat and a blessing of the throat will follow the Mass, for all those who are present for the occasion.

He is also the patron of veterinarians and against attacks of wild animals.

St Blaise was a 3rd century physician who became the Bishop of Sebastea in Armenia. He was beheaded in A.D. 316 for refusing to renounce his faith. He is also the Patron Saint of wild animals because of his care for them.

The Church on the 3rd of February marks the official feast day of St Blaise.

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