Holy Water throughout the year

By From the Heart | Geralyn Nathe-Evans | Together We Journey

Oct 11

I have grown in the Catholic faith all the days of my life. I was baptized into this faith. I continue to search and support in my life how I might live into my baptismal call more fully each day.

As a child there were many rituals and practices that we had in our home that flowed from our Catholic faith.

Holy Water.

That wonderful and mysterious Holy Water with which we were baptized and continue to use in rituals in church and home.

I recall as a child being given my very first Holy Water bottle. I believe I received a small bottle of Holy Water as an Easter gift, at least that is my memory and I will hold to that idea.

It was the gift that continued to give. I was raised in a home with Holy Water fonts. It was a routine and ritual practice to dip our fingers in this magical water mounted by the doorways and sign ourselves.  “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen,” I recited as I blessed myself.

I recall visiting my great aunt as a young child and she had her nightly ritual which included taking her small bottle of blessed water and blessing the bed by sprinkling it with water, signing herself and saying her nightly prayers. I loved the practice. I so enjoyed the safe and secure manner in which we would recite these prayers of love, and trust and comfort knowing the angels and saints were guiding us through the night. She taught me well.

As a parent, we used Holy Water in many of the same practices. I, with satisfaction, recall the excitement of our young sons when they too received their own bottle of Holy Water.

I with great joy recall the many ways we used this sacramental and still do today.

Here are some of my favorites:

  • We had a font of water in our entry. It was a way to bless our coming and going.
  • We would bless our children as they left each day.
  • I will bless myself and find comfort in knowing there is a God who continues to bless my in my life each day.
  • I have blessed my beloved husband, in gratitude, thanksgiving and blessing for all he is and needs.

As I grew, the symbol of Holy Water continued and still does interface with my life.  I still carry a small bottle of water with me when I travel. I love to fill my bottle with the waters from each new church I may visit. It is a worldly connection to a faith that is universal. It reminds me of the vastness of my connections in God’s family as well as the profound simplicity of God’s love and care.

These days, I continue to find great comfort in my practices. When entering a place of worship, it is the pause of dipping my hand into the water, signing myself and recalling that I am a child of God. By my baptism and the waters, I am called to be priest, prophet and king today and every day of my life.

Holy Water is a very simple and yet very profound symbol. It is a symbol that continues to call us forth to be the person we were meant to be in this world, as well as remind us of all God continues to be.

How might you already be using this symbol of faith?  How might you explore more frequently using Holy Water?

Believe n love,
Geralyn

Geralyn Nathe-Evans has been called to the vocations of wife, mom, Lay Ecclesial Minister, nurse and friend.

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