5 things you don't know about holy water

Have you ever wondered how long the Church has been usingHoly water (or blessed) that we find at the entrance of the buildings of Catholic worship?

The origin

It can be said that the origin of holy water dates back to the times of Our Lord Jesus Christ, because he himself blessed the waters. Further on, Pope St. Alexander I, who exercised his pontificate from 121 to 132 AD, established that salt be put in water, as opposed to the ash used by the Jews.

Why is it found in the entrances of the churches?

Holy water is placed at the entrance of a church so that every believer is blessed by God through the sign of the cross on the forehead, lips and chest. In short, once in the Church, we abandon all meaning to Him, in His House. Upon entering the Church, we ask that it Holy Spirit enlighten our hearts, instilling mercy, silence and reverence.

Why was it introduced?

To replace, as mentioned, an ancient Jewish ceremony whereby, before starting a prayer, the faithful washed themselves, asking God to be purified. They are the priests who bless the holy water of our churches.

What does holy water symbolize?

Holy water symbolizes the sweat of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Garden of Gethsemane and the blood that wet his face during the Passion.

What effects does holy water have?

Traditionally it is known that holy water has the following effects: a) it scares and drives out demons; erase venial sins; interrupts the distractions of prayer; provides, with the Grace of the Holy Spirit, greater devotion; infuses the virtue of divine blessing to receive the sacraments, administer them and to celebrate divine offices. Source: Church Pop.

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