Who started the use of Holy Water?
Answer Hi, Nerol: Thanks for the question. Holy Water is a sacramental, meaning that it is a devotional item instituted and regulated by the Authority of the Catholic Church. It has been a practice since the very earliest centuries of the Church. It calls to mind the Waters of Baptism, and is used in ways analogous to Baptismal Waters for cleansing and purifications of Holy Places and Objects, and it calls down God’s Blessings. It is blessed by a Priest (or Bishop), and in special circumstances by the Deacon as part of the Rite of Baptism when he celebrates the Baptism. It may be collected and stored by the faithful for their use in prayer and devotion. The liturgical sprinkiling of Holy Water may take place as part of the preparatory rites in the Church building prior to the celebration of Sunday Mass, and on Easter after the renewal of Baptismal Promises. Fr.
