Holy Water was one of the first sacramentals of the Church. The first record of its use in the Church is found in the Apostolic Constitutions of the fourth century. The precept to use it is attributed to St. Matthew, the Apostle.

The blessing of Holy Water consists of exorcisms, prayers, and the mingling of salt with the water.

The purpose of exorcisms is to banish the evil spirit and destroy his influence. The beautiful prayer with which the salt is blessed implores God to attach a threefold efficacy to it:

1. That it may be the means of salvation to souls;
2. That it may be a preservative against corporal dangers;
3. That it may sanctify everything with which it comes in contact.

The prayer used in blessing the water implores God:

1. That it may drive away demons;
2. That it may cure diseases;
3. That it may free houses and their contents from all evil, particularly from plagues.

The Church wishes this sacramental to be used with FAITH and desires that it should help wash away sin from the souls of her children by imparting the grace that will move them to true contrition, and that it may assist and preserve them from a relapse through the efficacy of the blessing given to the salt, which by nature is a preservative.

In the natural order, water quenches fire and promotes the growth of vegetation. So, too, in the spiritual order. Holy Water helps to quench the fire of the passions and to promote the growth of virtues.

Effects of Holy Water

It is the common teaching of theologians that holy water, when used with the proper intention and disposition:

• Confers actual graces;
• Remits venial sins;
• Restrains the power of Satan;
• Secures temporal blessings such as bodily health and protection against temporal evils;
• Is an efficacious means of relief for the Hoy Souls in Purgatory.

Many examples could be cited of the wonderful aid derived from Holy Water in attacks from evil spirits, in illness, storms, and misfortunes of various kinds.

Using This Sacramental

Every Catholic home should have a supply of Holy Water, where the members of the family can readily avail themselves of this precious sacramental. We should often bless ourselves with Holy Water in the morning or upon retiring.

When the priest comes to visit a sick member of the family or to bring Holy Communion or to administer the Sacrament of the Sick, Holy Water should be available.

The Crusader's Almanac