The holy and living waters of the Catholic Church has been flowing throughout the millennia. Holy water is mentioned in Sacred Scripture in the Old Testament, alluded to in New Testament, and there are many verses in the Bible about water being a source of life, a way of purification for us mortals, and a supernatural blessing from God.
Holy water is one of the most well known sacramentals of the Catholic Church, and it can be used in a variety of ways by both clergy and laity.
Water is needed for life, and it should be no surprise that Jesus wanted to sanctify water for us and make it holy for the Church and for the spiritual needs of the family.
My Holy Water Devotions
As the old saying goes, to each their own. These are some of the ways I use holy water in daily life. And it seems the older I get, the more I want to be devoted to holy water. Every time I use it, I make the Sign of the Cross, which is a sacramental gesture.
- Holy water in the mornings before morning prayers.
- Holy water when I feel I am struggling with negativity and sin.
- Holy water before I leave to go anywhere.
- Holy water at work, once in the morning and afternoon.
- Holy water before I leave from work.
- Holy water in the evenings before evening prayers.
- Holy water before I go to sleep at night.
I think it is important to put holy water on us or sprinkle holy water in our rooms before we sleep, because we are in a vulnerable state while we are asleep. I also make the Sign of the Cross with exorcised oil on my forehead for added protection.
“Nightly I sprinkle my room with holy water and invoke the Virgin and St. Michael. And I sleep, just as I go throughout the day, with the rosary in my hands.” – Msgr. Stephen Rossetti
One could also make the Sign of the Cross with holy water before bed after praying the Salve Regina. This ancient monastic tradition is still practiced by monks today.
Other Examples of Using Holy Water:
- Bless your spirit and body.
- Bless your spouse.
- Bless your wedding ring.
- Bless your children.
- Bless your pets.
- Bless your house.
- Bless your windows.
- Bless your rooms.
- Bless your doorways.
- Bless your hallways.
- Bless places (deck, patio, yard, etc.).
- Bless others (family and friends).
- Bless house after a social.
- Bless your material goods (especially used).
- Bless your vehicle.
- Bless your workspace.
- Bless the sick and infirmed.
- Bless your sleep (before going to bed).
The goal of this post is to help encourage Catholic families to have a humble devotion to blessed holy water in daily life for spiritual purification and for spiritual protection.
Holy Water Prayer
“By thy Precious Blood and by this holy water, cleanse me from my sins, O Lord.”
A devotion to holy water helps to keep us purified for the coming of Christ and for our own particular judgment before God upon passing from the world (Heb 9:27).
301. Q. What is holy water? A. Holy water is water blessed by the priest with solemn prayer to beg God’s blessing on those who use it, and protection from the powers of darkness. Source: Baltimore Catechism
This is a lengthy post! It can be read by parts (use links below) or in its entirety.
Part One: Spiritual Blessings of Holy Water
Part Two: Holy Water in Spiritual Warfare
Part Three: Holy Water of the Catholic Church
Part Four: Holy Water in Sacred Scripture
Part Five: Importance of Water in Sacred Scripture
Part Six: Rite of Blessing of Holy Water
PART ONE
Spiritual Blessings of Holy Water
“Sin is washed away by the waters of the font; the Holy Spirit is poured forth in the chrism; and we obtain both of these gifts through the hands and the mouth of the priest.” – St. Pacian
By Divine Providence, I had the privilege to pray a rosary with this amazing priest.
Recap
- Holy water brings us back to our Baptism.
- Holy water at Church reminds us we are being welcomed in the Promise Land.
- Holy water, when used with devotion, cleanses us of our venial sins.
- Holy water at Church and at home banishes the power of Satan.
Holy Water is a Sacramental
Holy water is a sacramental of the Church. Christ instituted the seven sacraments of the Church (Baptism, Confirmation, Penance, Eucharist, Marriage, Holy Orders, Extreme Unction). The Church instituted the sacramentals through Christ’s authority.
Sacramentals do not confer God’s grace like the sacraments do, but we do receive blessing from them through the prayers of the Church and in our disposition in receiving them. Thus, even holy water blessed in the Church’s modern rite can provide us spiritual protection if we apply the holy water with reverence and devotion.
CCC 1668 Sacramentals are instituted for the sanctification of certain ministries of the Church, certain states of life, a great variety of circumstances in Christian life, and the use of many things helpful to man…They always include a prayer, often accompanied by a specific sign, such as the laying on of hands, the sign of the cross, or the sprinkling of holy water (which recalls Baptism).
The Divine blessing and spiritual protection holy water can provide us is through the prayer of the Church which uses the authority given it by Christ (Mt 16:19).
Holy Water is one of the principal sacramentals of the Church. In blessing holy water, the priest first blesses salt, then water, and then mixes both with special prayers. The water symbolizes purity of soul; the salt stands for prudence; the combination is a symbol of purity and immortality. As often as possible, we should make the sign of the cross, first dipping the fingers in holy water. A hundred days’ indulgence is gained each time. Source: My Catholic Faith
10 Blessings from a Holy Water Devotion
This is what you shall do to them to cleanse them. Sprinkle them with the water of purification. Numbers 8:7a
In faith, holy water can provide a multitude of blessings for a family.
#1 Actual graces
Actual graces from God can be received with a proper disposition and with firm faith. The merits of the precious blood of Jesus enter the soul when applied reverently.
#2 Assistance from the Holy Spirit
Through the power of the prayer of the Church, blessed holy water not only repels evil, but also allows the Holy Spirit to enter our hearts when we use it in good faith.
#3 Overcome temptations
Blessed holy water serves as a spiritual shield from temptations and evil influences.
#4 Forgiveness of venial sins
A devotion to holy water serves as an aid for us to have a contrite heart. Sorrow for sin will help bring about grace that will obtain the forgiveness of venial sins.
#5 Remission of temporal punishment from sin
St. Thomas Aquinas says the use of holy water with a contrite heart will help pardon our sins. The greater our disposition in using it, the greater the relinquishment.
“By the sprinkling of holy water the debt of venial sin is wiped out; but not always, however, are all temporal punishments relinquished; this takes place in proportion to the disposition of the person using it, depending on the less or greater degree of ardor in the love for God on the part of the person using it.”
#6 Health of body, mind, and blessings
The apostles anointed people with oil and healed them in ancient times. We can receive similar blessings from God through the use of blessed holy water with faith.
#7 Protection from storms and disaster
In the blessing of the holy water by the priest, the Church prays that disaster from storms will be blocked from anywhere holy water has been sprinkled.
#8 Protection from evil spirits
Holy water provides us spiritual protection from Satan and all of the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
#9 Consolation for holy souls at their burial
In the tradition of the Church, the body, coffin, and grave are sprinkled with holy water. As the body has been blessed, and the ground is consecrated from the prayers of the priest and holy water, the soul will receive consolation, if in Purgatory.
#10 Reminder of our Baptism in Christ
Holy water reminds us of our baptism. When we are baptized, we are freed from original sin, receive the Lord’s sanctifying grace, and become children of God.
PART TWO
Holy Water in Spiritual Warfare
Since we have “a great priest over the house of God,” let us approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. Hebrews 10:21-22
The Warfare of Christ
It says in the Catechism of the Council of Trent that when a soul is impressed with the Sacrament of Confirmation, he or she therein “enters upon the warfare of Christ.”
“As we do battle and fight in the contest of faith, God, his angels and Christ himself watch us.” – St. Cyprian,
The devil and his apostate angels battle against us. Not only do they want us to lose our faith in Christ, but they also want to destroy our families and drag us down to hell with them. It says in the Bible the devil has demanded to sift us like wheat (Lk 22:31)
Have No Fear, Holy Water is Here!
Holy Mother Church has given us the sacramental of holy water to help repel the diabolical onslaughts that are constantly waging war against us. St. Teresa of Avila provides us faithful testimony in the power of holy water:
“From long experience I have learned that there is nothing like holy water to put devils to flight and prevent them from coming back again. They also flee from the cross, but return; so holy water must have great value. For my own part, whenever I take it, my soul feels a particular and most notable consolation.”
I read what an exorcist priest active in the ministry has to say about holy water. This sobering quote may help us to have a devotion to holy water in daily life.
“There is no water in hell.” – Msgr. Stephen Rosetti, exorcist
Msgr.’s assertion is verified in scripture where the rich man, Dives, asked for his tongue to be cooled with water. His request was denied. No mercy is allowed in hell.
Msgr. Rosetti has two blog posts about holy water you can read here: #149, #157.
Holy Water is certainly not limited to exorcism ministry. Holy water used with faith and contrition should prove to be effective for Catholic families in spiritual warfare.
This blog post by a Catholic mother who, along with her husband, were in their own warfare, is an ideal example of effective use of holy water: Spiritual Warfare
The father, the head of the household, has been given the authority by Christ to bless their family and home. This is very important. Fathers should do so with firm faith in Christ and confidence in their own authority given to them by God.
PART THREE
Holy Water of the Catholic Church
“Christ is the fountain, not only of living water, but of eternal life.” – St. Columban, abbot (545-615 A.D.)
The information below about types of holy water I learned mostly from the teachings of exorcist and spiritual warfare expert, Father Chad Ripperger.
Holy Water
It is as if you can see the very eye of God in this holy water. Blessed be God forever!
“New rite holy water has a very simple blessing. The problem is it is not as efficacious as the old one. Pope Benedict made clear the old rite books were never suppressed, so any priest can bless in the old rite. In the old rite, you exorcise the salt, then the water. You put them together and then there is a blessing given to them.
If you can get a hold of epiphany water made in the old rite, it is triple exorcised. Water blessed at the Easter Vigil, Easter water, is also very effective. Water blessed in honor of different saints can be very effective.”
Per Fr., once a week or so, bless your house, and have the priest bless your house once per year as a general rule. Holy water is very important for spiritual protection.
Types of Holy Water
“Someone might ask: ‘Why would a holy man desire baptism?’ Listen to the answer: Christ is baptized, not to be made holy by the water, but to make the water holy, and by his cleansing to purify the waters which he touched.” – St. Maximus of Turin
#1 New rite holy water
Holy Water blessed in the new rite. It is holy water, but it is not as efficacious as holy water blessed in the old rite.
#2 Old rite holy water
Holy water solemnly blessed in the old rite. In the old rite, the salt and the water are exorcised. They are put together and then there is a solemn blessing given to them. Old rite holy water is more efficacious than water blessed in the new rite.
#3 Epiphany water
Holy water that has been blessed with the old rite of exorcism during the Feast of Epiphany, but there is also a chant during the ritual, and the ritual takes longer to complete. Epiphany water recalls Jesus’ baptism, and it serves the Church as a powerful agent in cleansing the faithful from sin and delivering them from evil.
#4 Easter water
Easter water is very efficacious. It is the holy water made at the Easter Vigil. There is an extended solemn blessing of the water by the priest. The water is used to baptize catechumens, and a portion is reserved to be distributed to those in attendance.
Q. 1072. How does the water blessed on Holy Saturday, or Easter Water, as it is called, differ from the holy water blessed at other times? A. The water blessed on Holy Saturday, or Easter Water, as it is called, differs from the holy water blessed at other times in this, that the Easter water is blessed with greater solemnity, the paschal candle, which represents Our Lord risen from the dead, having been dipped into it with a special prayer. Source: Baltimore Catechism
#5 Gregorian holy water
Water that can only be blessed by a bishop. Gregorian water is used to consecrate altars. It is hard to obtain, but it might be the most efficacious of all holy water.
Traditional Holy Water Mixtures
| Holy Water | Mixed With | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Old Rite Holy Water | Exorcised Salt | Blessings |
| Easter (Baptismal) Water | Exorcised Salt, Chrism | Baptisms |
| Gregorian Holy Water | Exorcised Salt, Ashes, Wine | Altar Consecrations |
Holy Wells
“Another type of holy water is that found in holy wells and at places associated with apparitions of Mary or saints, and at special holy sites – Lourdes, Fatima, etc. Source: Fr. David O’Connor, St. Mary Basilica Archives
PART FOUR
Holy Water in Sacred Scripture
Before we review the scripture verses and how they apply to holy water blessed in the Catholic Church, let us consider what the word Catholic means and its origin.
The very name of the Church is Catholic, that is, universal…It was St. Ignatius (50-107 A.D.) appointed Bishop of Antioch by Saint Peter, who first used the Greek word Katholicos, meaning “universal,” when referring to the Church founded by Christ; this he did to distinguish the True Church, already being preached throughout the world, from heretical churches that had arisen. Source: My Catholic Faith
Old Testament
The Catholic Church was not yet formed from Christ’s side, but even in the ancient times of the Old Testament, holy water was used in a ritual that God instructed Moses to administer mentioned in the Book of Numbers. Here is the verse:
In an earthen vessel he shall take holy water, as well as some dust from the floor of the tabernacle and put it in the water. Numbers 5:17
Holy water: water from the basin that stood in the court of the tabernacle. Source: USCCB
New Testament
The verse from the Old Testament Book of Numbers is the only verse in the entire Bible that specifically mentions holy water. The ritual concerned a woman suspected of adultery. There may be correlations to the Old Testament verse in the Gospels.
The Woman at the Well
Consider what Jesus says, possibly in relation to Numbers 5:17 holy water.
“Whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14
The Woman Caught in Adultery
Consider what Jesus does, possibly in relation to Numbers 5:17 holy water.
Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him.
Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger.
But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:3-7
Baptismal Holy Water from Christ’s Side
In faith, we can believe that the water that flowed out from Christ’s side as He hung upon the cross would have been the most blessed holy water ever to flow from any of the baptismal fonts of the Catholic Church throughout the ages.
One soldier thrust his lance into His side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. John 19:34
19:34 At once there came out blood and water: The Blood and water represent Baptism and the Eucharist, which are the Sacraments of new life. Just as Eve was formed from the side of Adam, the Church is formed from the side of Christ. The water also represents the Holy Spirit poured out upon the world by Christ, the “living water” He mentioned to the Samaritan woman by the well (cf. Jn 4:10). (CCC 478, 694, 766, 1225, 2669). Source: The Didache Bible
Verses from the Blessing of Holy Water
Here are verses that may be read when the Order of Blessing of Holy Water takes place by the celebrant and those present outside of Mass.
Reading
On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and exclaimed, “Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as scripture says: ‘Rivers of living water will flow from within him.’” He said this in reference to the Spirit that those who came to believe in him were to receive. There was, of course, no Spirit yet, because Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 7:37-39
Alternate Readings
Isaiah
On that day, you will say: I give you thanks, O LORD; though you have been angry with me, your anger has abated, and you have consoled me. God indeed is my salvation; I am confident and unafraid. For the LORD is my strength and my might, and he has been my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the fountains of salvation, And you will say on that day: give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name… Isaiah 12:1-6
All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come, buy grain and eat; Come, buy grain without money, wine and milk without cost! Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what does not satisfy? Only listen to me, and you shall eat well, you shall delight in rich fare. Pay attention and come to me; listen, that you may have life…..For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Yet just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down And do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, Giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats, So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me empty, but shall do what pleases me, achieving the end for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:1-11
Sirach
Whoever fears the LORD will do this; whoever is practiced in the Law will come to Wisdom. She will meet him like a mother; like a young bride she will receive him, She will feed him with the bread of learning, and give him the water of understanding to drink. He will lean upon her and not fall; he will trust in her and not be put to shame. She will exalt him above his neighbors, and in the assembly she will make him eloquent. Joy and gladness he will find, and an everlasting name he will inherit. Sirach 15:1-6
John
Fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Master, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.”…I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do. John 13:3-15
1 John
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God, and everyone who loves the father loves [also] the one begotten by him. In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments….Who [indeed] is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ, not by water alone, but by water and blood. The Spirit is the one that testifies, and the Spirit is truth. 1 John 5:1-6
Revelation
Then one of the elders spoke up and said to me, “Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?” I said to him, “My lord, you are the one who knows.” He said to me, “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. “For this reason they stand before God’s throne and worship him day and night in his temple. The one who sits on the throne will shelter them. They will not hunger or thirst anymore, nor will the sun or any heat strike them. For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:13-17
Then the angel showed me the river of life-giving water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of its street. On either side of the river grew the tree of life that produces fruit twelve times a year, once each month; the leaves of the trees serve as medicine for the nations. Nothing accursed will be found there anymore. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him…Revelation 22:1-5
PART FIVE
Importance of Water in Sacred Scripture
“Whoever goes down into these waters of rebirth with faith renounces the devil and pledges himself to Christ.” – St. Hippolytus, priest (170-236 A.D.)
Water gives and sustain life. Without water, we would surely die. There is a spiritual importance with water in Sacred Scripture. There are common themes noted with the goodness of water in Sacred Scripture and the love that Christ has for us.
Water the Source of Life
God blesses the waters and makes water the source of life.
In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth – and the earth was without form or shape, with darkness over the abyss and a mighty wind sweeping over the waters. Genesis 1:2
Water from the Rock and the holy sacraments of the Church.
From the wilderness of Sin the whole Israelite community journeyed by stages, as the LORD directed, and encamped at Rephidim. But there was no water for the people to drink, and so they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses replied to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to a test?” Here, then, in their thirst for water, the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “Why then did you bring us up out of Egypt? To have us die of thirst with our children and our livestock?” So Moses cried out to the LORD, “What shall I do with this people? A little more and they will stone me!” The LORD answered Moses: Go on ahead of the people, and take along with you some of the elders of Israel, holding in your hand, as you go, the staff with which you struck the Nile. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock in Horeb. Strike the rock, and the water will flow from it for the people to drink. Moses did this, in the sight of the elders of Israel. Exodus 17:1-6
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea, and all of them were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. All ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was the Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:1-4
Water is the life that comes to us in the Spirit.
Whoever believes in me, as scripture says: ‘Rivers of living water will flow from within him.’” He said this in reference to the Spirit that those who came to believe in him were to receive. There was, of course, no Spirit yet, because Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 7:38-39
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13
Living water is a symbol of eternal life.
Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” [The woman] said to him, “Sir, you do not even have a bucket and the well is deep; where then can you get this living water? John 4:10-11
A garden fountain, a well of living water, streams flowing from Lebanon. Song 4:15
Israelites greatly anticipated the rainy season.
I will give the seasonal rain to your land, the early rain and the late rain, that you may have your grain, wine and oil to gather in; Deuteronomy 11:14
They waited for me as for the rain; they drank in my words like the spring rains. Job 29:23
Let us know, let us strive to know the LORD; as certain as the dawn is his coming. He will come to us like the rain, like spring rain that waters the earth.” Hosea 6:3
Ask the LORD for rain in the spring season, the LORD who brings storm clouds, and heavy rains, who gives to everyone grain in the fields. Zechariah 10:1
Wells were used as water supplies.
Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. She went and filled the skin with water, and then let the boy drink. Genesis 21:19
When Pharaoh heard of the affair, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to the land of Midian. There he sat down by a well. Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. But shepherds came and drove them away. So Moses rose up in their defense and watered their flock. Exodus 2:15-17
From there they went to Beer, which is the well of which the LORD said to Moses, Gather the people together so that I may give them water. Numbers 21:16
A river of life giving water flows…
A river rises in Eden to water the garden; beyond there it divides and becomes four branches. Genesis 2:10
Along each bank of the river every kind of fruit tree will grow; their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fresh fruit because the waters of the river flow out from the sanctuary. Their fruit is used for food, and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12
He is like a tree planted near streams of water, that yields its fruit in season; Its leaves never wither; whatever he does prospers. Psalms 1:3
They are like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It does not fear heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still produces fruit. Jeremiah 17:8
With joy you will draw water from the fountains of salvation, Isaiah 12:3
With the Lord is a fountain of life and mercy.
How precious is your mercy, O God! The children of Adam take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the rich food of your house; from your delightful stream you give them drink. For with you is the fountain of life, and in your light we see light. Psalms 36:8-10
The Lord’s water is a source of grace and healing with faith.
Naaman came with his horses and chariot and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent him the message: “Go and wash seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will heal, and you will be clean.” 2 Kings 5:9-10
And Jesus said to him, “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed, and came back able to see. John 9:7
The Lord’s life giving holy water flows from His sacred heart.
One soldier thrust is lance into His side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. John 19:34
Purification
From the beginning “the spirit of God moved over the waters,” and over and again Scripture testifies to the fact that water is purifying. It was with water that God washed away the sin of the world in the time of Noah. It was with water that every one who was unclean was purified in accordance with the law, and even their garments were washed with water. – St. John of Damascus
Handwashing was symbolic as a claim of innocence.
I will wash my hands in innocence so that I may process around your altar, Lord, Psalms 26:6
Is it in vain that I have kept my heart pure, washed my hands in innocence? Psalms 73:13
God’s initiative to cleanse Israel.
I will sprinkle clean water over you to make you clean; from all your impurities and from all your idols I will cleanse you. Ezekiel 36:25
Purification ritual with the sprinkling of water
Those who touch the corpse of any human being will be unclean for seven days; they shall purify themselves with the water on the third and on the seventh day, and then be clean. But if they fail to purify themselves on the third and on the seventh day, they will not become clean. Numbers 19:11-12
God does not come to his people until they are washed clean.
The LORD said to Moses: Go to the people and have them sanctify themselves today and tomorrow. Have them wash their garments and be ready for the third day; for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. Exodus 19:10-11
Purification from sin and defilement.
On that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to purify from sin and uncleanness. Zechariah 13:1
Impurities and defilements were removed with water.
If anyone touches any swarming creature whose uncleanness is contagious or any person whose uncleanness, of whatever kind it may be, is contagious the one who touches such as these shall be unclean until evening and may not eat of the sacred portions until he has first bathed his body in water. Leviticus 22:5-6
God’s Blessing
An invitation to God’s grace.
All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come, buy grain and eat; Come, buy grain without money, wine and milk without cost! Isaiah 55:1
God’s blessing and spiritual refreshment
The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; Psalms 23:1b-2
With joy you will draw water from the fountains of salvation, Isaiah 12:3
Say to the fearful of heart: Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you…For waters will burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the Arabah. The burning sands will become pools, and the thirsty ground, springs of water; Isaiah 35:4, 6b-7
Two evils my people have done: they have forsaken me, the source of living waters; They have dug themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water. Jeremiah 2:13
Wherever it flows, the river teems with every kind of living creature; fish will abound. Where these waters flow they refresh; everything lives where the river goes. Ezekiel 47:9
For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:17
He said to me, “They are accomplished. I [am] the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water. Revelation 21:6
Ceremony and Ritual
Water used during priesthood consecration.
Aaron and his sons you shall also bring to the entrance of the tent of meeting, and there wash them with water. Exodus 29:4
Water used to cleanse priests before liturgical services.
The LORD told Moses: For ablutions you shall make a bronze basin with a bronze stand. Place it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. Aaron and his sons shall use it in washing their hands and feet. When they are about to enter the tent of meeting, they must wash with water, lest they die. Likewise when they approach the altar to minister, to offer an oblation to the LORD, they must wash their hands and feet, lest they die. This shall be a perpetual statute for him and his descendants throughout their generations. Exodus 30:17-21
This is what you shall do to them to cleanse them. Sprinkle them with the water of purification, have them shave their whole bodies and wash their garments, and so cleanse themselves. Numbers 8:7
High priest cleansed before entering the inner sanctuary.
He shall wear the sacred linen tunic, with the linen pants underneath, gird himself with the linen sash and put on the linen turban. But since these vestments are sacred, he shall not put them on until he has first bathed his body in water. Leviticus 16:4
Baptism in Christ
Symbolic waters of baptism during the Exodus.
As the water flowed back, it covered the chariots and the horsemen. Of all Pharaoh’s army which had followed the Israelites into the sea, not even one escaped. Exodus 14:28
Sanctified in the waters of baptism.
Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the kingdom of God?…That is what some of you used to be; but now you have had yourselves washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9a, 11
God patiently waited in the days of Noah during the building of the ark, in which a few persons, eight in all, were saved through water. This prefigured baptism, which saves you now. It is not a removal of dirt from the body but an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 3:20b-21
Baptismal water washes away our sins.
Peter [said] to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
Now, why delay? Get up and have yourself baptized and your sins washed away, calling upon his name. Acts 22:16
Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, that he might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:25b-27
PART SIX
Rite of Blessing of Holy Water
“What is water without the cross of Christ? Only an ordinary element without sacramental effect.” – St. Ambrose
These tables below might help us better understand the spiritual and corporeal mercy we can obtain from holy water that has been blessed with salt in the Rite of Blessing.
Blessing of Salt
Elisha said, “Bring me a new bowl and put salt into it.” When they had brought it to him, he went out to the spring and threw salt into it, saying, “Thus says the LORD: I have purified this water.
Never again shall death or sterility come from it.” And the water has stayed pure even to this day, according to the word Elisha had spoken. 2 Kings 2:20-22
| Exorcised | Christ’s Mercy | Spiritual | Corporal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt | Healing of the faithful | Yes | Yes |
| Salt | Health of mind | Yes | Yes |
| Salt | Health of body | Yes | |
| Salt | Health of soul | Yes | |
| Salt | Delusions depart | Yes | |
| Salt | Wickedness depart | Yes | |
| Salt | Snares of diabolical cunning depart | Yes | |
| Salt | Freed from all manner of uncleanness | Yes | |
| Salt | Freed from all assaults of spiritual wickedness | Yes |
Blessing of Water
Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” John 2:7a
| Exorcised | Christ’s Mercy | Spiritual | Corporal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Chasing away the power of the enemy | Yes | |
| Water | Uproot the enemy himself | Yes | |
| Water | Cast out the enemy himself | Yes | |
| Water | Uproot the enemy’s apostate angels | Yes | |
| Water | Cast out the enemy’s apostate angels | Yes | |
| Water | Cast out devils | Yes | |
| Water | Drive away diseases | Yes | |
| Water | Houses/places freed from uncleanness | Yes | |
| Water | Delivered from hurt | Yes | Yes |
| Water | Pestilence removed | Yes | |
| Water | Disease removed | Yes | |
| Water | Every lurking enemy depart | Yes | |
| Water | Any ill will flee away | Yes | |
| Water | Safety for the faithful | Yes | Yes |
| Water | Peace for the faithful | Yes | Yes |
| Water | Healed | Yes | Yes |
| Water | Defended from all that is against the faithful | Yes | Yes |
After the Rite of Blessing for the salt and water is complete, the salt is mixed in with the water. The celebrant continues praying the rite aloud. Here are some of the spiritual and corporal mercies prayed for during the final part of the Rite of Blessing.
- That the favor of God be upon the holy water.
- That all troubling of unclean spirits be cast out.
- That the dread of the poisonous serpent be chased far away.
- That the presence of the Holy Spirit be granted.
- That the mercy of the Holy Spirit be with us in every place.
Families seeking a devotion to holy water (especially families in spiritual warfare) might inquire with their priest how the holy water at their church was blessed.
In the Church’s Rite of Blessing, holy water is mixed with exorcised salt.
CCC256 “Above all guard for me this great deposit of faith for which I live and fight, which I want to take with me as a companion, and which makes me bear all evils and despise all pleasures: I mean the profession of faith in the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. I entrust it to you today. By it I am soon going to plunge you into water and raise you up from it. I give it to you as the companion and patron of your whole life…” – St. Gregory of Nazianzus
The Church encourages all Catholic families to have a daily devotion to holy water.
