Holy Water consists of two essential components, namely, pure or clean water and salt. A priest typically blesses the water used for holy water during a specific ritual. This blessing involves the recitation of prayers and the making of the sign of the cross over the water. The salt is usually regular table salt, added to the blessed water. The salt represents purity and preservation and symbolizes the earth’s offerings.

We use the Holy Water in almost every religious activity. Holy Water is a sacramental, and in the Roman Catholic Church, sprinkling it recalls our Baptism. Traditionally, the Blessing of Water is accompanied by an exorcism and the addition of exorcised and blessed salt.

Once blessed, the Holy Water is placed in a receptacle accessible to worshippers. Most churches have small fonts at the entrance. Upon entering the church, the faithful dip their fingers into the font and make the sign of the cross to prepare for the liturgy.

The holy water reminds us of our baptism and our union with Christ. The imagery of “washing” helps us to remember that we need to be cleansed and forgiven of our sins.

The Holy Water is a natural symbol of purification, its use symbolizing the removal of uncleanness, either ritual or moral. The Church uses the Holy Water to bless individuals, homes, articles of devotion, vehicles and buildings.

Only a validly ordained bishop, priest, or deacon can bless clean water to make it Holy Water.

Holy Water is related to or significant in celebrating the Sacraments (part of the celebration, meaning of the symbol or gesture), as Sr. Maria Cecilia Payawal, PDDM, taught us.

Holy water is used in various sacraments and sacramentals, such as the anointing of the sick, the blessing of religious articles, and the dedication of churches and altars.

There are instances where a priest or a deacon might forget to bring Holy Water when called upon to perform a blessing, and this would make lay people question if a person, object, or deceased was blessed.

To lay people, a blessing is not complete without the sprinkling of Holy Water.

Aside from Roman Catholic churches, Christian or non-Roman churches like Lutherans, Anglicans, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox also use holy water.

It is believed that as we draw ourselves closer to God when we receive the Sacraments and use a sacramental like Holy Water, the devil is repelled.

As we make the sign of the cross with the Holy Water, we touch our forehead, shoulders, and heart with a sacramental. If this simple act is performed in faith, it imparts grace to the believer.

Lay people can have holy water in their homes, provided it is placed in a clean container.  One can bless himself or herself as they enter or leave their home. One can also place holy water beside religious objects to enhance their spiritual significance.

Holy Water in the Catholic Church represents a rich history of spiritual purification and blessings. It has been a part of Christian tradition for centuries, evolving from ancient practices to an integral part of Catholic rituals and worship.

Whether used in the sacrament of baptism, for a personal blessing, or in the exorcism of evil spirits, the Holy Water serves as a tangible connection to the sacred and a symbol of a Christian’s journey of faith, purity, and protection. Its continued use in the Catholic Church is a testament to its enduring significance in spiritual devotion and practice.

And as a reminder, since Holy Water is a sacramental and holy, we must never pour it down the drain or sewer. If we must dispose of it because it has become too old for practical use, the Holy Water must be poured on the soil. The spiritual powers of the Holy Water never wear off.

There is no specific prayer to pray when using the Holy Water other than making the Sign of the Cross, “In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”