Catechism Corner | Why Do We Have Holy Water?

Traditionally, we have placed fonts of Holy Water near the entrances of our Churches. We have fonts filled with Holy Water for blessings for three reasons: as a sign of repentance of sin, for protection from evil, and as a reminder of our Baptism.

The repentance of sin symbolized in the washing with water is reflected in Psalm 50. Remember, too, how St. John the Baptist called all to conversion used a ritual washing of water to signify the repentance of sin and purification.

These actions have been incorporated into our own Mass. In the Penitential Rite, one of the options is the Asperges, which includes the Rite of Blessing and Sprinkling with Holy Water. In all, each person again makes an act of repentance of sin.

Second, the Holy Water protects us against evil. In the prayer of blessing of water in the Sacramentary, priest pray: "Lord, God Almighty, creator of all life, of body and soul, we ask you to bless this water: as we use it in faith forgive our sins and save us from all illness and the power of evil. Lord, in your mercy give us living water, always springing up as a fountain of salvation; free us, body and soul, from every danger, and admit us to your presence in purity of heart."

Finally, Holy Water reminds us of our Baptism, when by the invocation of the Holy Trinity and the pouring of Holy Water, we were set free from Original Sin and all sin, infused with sanctifying grace, incorporated into the Church, and given the title Son or Daughter of God. In making the sign of the cross with the Holy Water, we are mindful that we are called to renew those baptismal promises of rejecting Satan, all His works, and all his empty promises, and to profess our credal faith. Once again, we repent of sin, so that we can offer our prayers and worship to God with pure and contrite hearts.

Fr. Antonius David Tristianto, O.Carm.