Msg Base:  AREA 5  - ASK FATHER            CIN ECHO   AMDG
  Msg No: 199.  Thu 11-21-91 19:09  (NO KILL)  (MAILED)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Bruce Hilton
 Subject: Holy Water

+-
| Howdy...
| Does anyone out there have any references as to the origin, use and
| storage of Holy Water ?  I'd be interested in any and all information.
| Thanks...
| Bruce
|  
|                         If men were Homo sapiens there would be no war.
|  
 
Dear Bruce,
 
The earliest reference to the use of holy water is in a 2nd century
document, the Apocryphal Acts of Peter.  Water is blessed by a priest
and is then used in blessings, dedications, exorcisms, and other
ceremonies.
 
The symbolism of holy water is:  a) baptismal and b) purifying.  We use
it to remind ourselves of our baptism and integration into Christ and
His Church.  It symbolizes our continuing need of His cleansing grace.
Water refreshes and promotes growth in nature.  Holy water focuses our
attention on our need for spiritual refreshment and growth.
 
As new water is blessed in the Easter Vigil, last year's holy water is
poured away on the ground, preferably upon growing plants.
 
Thanks for your question. Come again!
 
                                Sincerely in Christ,
 
                                Father Mateo