Talks on the Sacramentals, by Msgr Arthur Tonne - Holy Water

 "Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow." Psalm 50:9.

In ancient days those who were to receive Holy Communion did not receive the Host upon the tongue, as now, but in their hands. The communicant stood with his right hand extended, supported by his left. Into the right hand the priest placed the Sacred Host, which the communicant himself placed in his mouth.

If the one receiving was a woman, she covered her right hand with a linen cloth, out of special respect. After the ninth century this custom of giving Holy Communion to oneself was discontinued. But we have a reminder of it today.

In those early days people who were to receive Holy Communion would stop and wash their right hand in a large font in the church vestibule. It was ordinary water, and the washing was merely a matter of cleanliness and respect for the Host. Often these fonts had texts inscribed upon them reminding the user that more important than physical cleanliness was a pure soul. Washing the right hand was to make them as worthy as possible of the great act of Communion.

All this gave rise to the custom of blessing this water. It thus became a sacramental, giving the user grace according to his dispositions. The need for washing the right hand has ceased, but Catholics still take holy water and bless themselves with it.

This bit of history will help us appreciate the sacramental, holy water. Even in the Old Testament the Jews used blessed water. It has been a practice in all Christian times.

1. Holy water is water blessed by a priest with solemn prayer, to beg God's blessing on those who use it, and protection from the powers of darkness. In itself it is just ordinary water. Its nature is not changed by the blessing of the Church. But the Church does have and does use the power to give ordinary water certain spiritual benefits.

2. There are four kinds of holy water, each with its own blessing:

a. Baptismal water is blessed on Holy Saturday, and on the eve of Pentecost. In this latter blessing the oil of catechumens and holy chrism are mingled in the water which is used only for Baptism.

b. Water of consecration or Gregorian water is so called because its use was ordered by Pope Gregory IX. It is used in the consecration of churches, altars, and altar stones. During its blessing wine, ashes and salt are mingled with it.

c. Easter water receives its name from the fact that it is distributed to the faithful on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. Part of this water is used to fill the baptismal font and is to be blessed as baptismal water. The remainder is dispensed to the faithful. In some countries priests use this water for the solemn blessing of homes on Holy Saturday.

d. Ordinary holy water is blessed by the priest to sprinkle the people before Mass and for use at the door of church. It is also used to bless persons and things in the church and at home. Salt is mingled with it.

Holy water and Easter water are the two kinds which concern the faithful. They have different blessings, but their value and use are much the same.

3. When is holy water used? It is used in nearly all the blessings, in all ceremonies, in the sacraments of Marriage and Extreme Unction, in bringing Holy Communion to the sick, and in services for the dead.

Most frequent and striking use of holy water is the Asperges, or sprinkling of the people before the principal Mass on Sunday in a parish.

The holy water fonts at the door of church are very ancient, as we pointed out. The Jews had a ceremony of purification before entering the temple. In the Middle Ages it was customary to use holy water only on entering church, and not when leaving--to show that purification was necessary on entering. Today holy water is used both entering and leaving, especially since an indulgence of 300 days is granted for making the sign of the cross with blessed water. It still has the symbolic thought of washing away distractions and imperfections.

4. Holy water is usually blessed before the principal Mass on Sunday, but it may be blessed at any time. The priest reads several expressive prayers, begging God to free persons and things from the influence of the evil one. Blessed salt is mingled with the water in the form of a cross.

5. Why is water set aside for a sacred use? Water cleans and puts out fires. Salt keeps things from decay. The two combined express washing away sin, putting out the fires of passion, and keeping our souls from the decay of sin.

6. An indulgence of 300 days may be gained thus:

a. The sign of the cross must be made with holy water.

b. We must say the words: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

c. We must have contrition for our sins.

d. We must be in the state of grace.

Try to realize the helpfulness of this sacramental. Determine to use holy water more frequently, more reverently. Begin as you leave church. Dip your finger in the font and then thoughtfully make the sign of the cross. Always make that holy sign reverently.

Have some holy water in your home. A holy water font is part of the equipment of a complete Catholic home. Use this powerful help to remind you of your determination to keep clear of sin, your desire to serve God in the name of the holy sign of the cross. Amen.