blessing the people with water

The priest sprinkles the assembly with holy water. This water has been blessed the previous night with the same solemn blessing of the waters. The faithful drink this water as a liturgical and sacramental manifestation of Christ's blessing of all water by his baptism. The use of holy water recalls the purification rite of ancient Judaism, in which the people were sprinkled with blessed water (hyssop) for cleansing of ritual impurities.

  • Picture 27 of 30
  • Theophany 2007
    January 6, 2007
  • Lake Mingo Park
    Nicholasville, KY
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