Catholic Info
Traditional Catholic Faith => The Catholic Bunker => Topic started by: AnthonyPadua on June 25, 2023, 10:16:18 PM
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Is getting an aspergillum for home use ok? I am unsure how to go around 'blessing' my home with Holy Water, I don't want to waste it by using too much.
Can laity even 'bless' their own homes? What is the correct 'method' of blessing/using Holy Water as a lay person?
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Yes, definitely.
An aspergillium and/or bucket isn't too expensive.
As for using holy water reverently to bless objects and persons, that is PRECISELY what it is meant for. Think about it: when you bless yourself with holy water you're not invading the priests' office either.
You didn't bless the water; so don't worry about usurping the priest's role. In fact, you're not "blessing" anything per se (that requires speaking) but rather USING a sacramental with devotion as it was intended. By using holy water, you extend the blessing that the PRIEST used on the holy water, applying it to the objects/persons you sprinkle the holy water on.
You sprinkling your house with holy water (with an aspergillium) is about like Trad bishops making the consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. They're not pretending it's the one Our Lady asked for (the Pope in union with ALL the bishops) but it's not a bad thing either. In both cases, you're doing your best, doing "your part". Likewise, you're not pretending to consecrate a building or even confer a formal (priest's) blessing from the Ritual Romanum upon your house -- you're just blessing a building with holy water. Not as good as a priest's direct blessing on your home, but certainly not worthless either!
As long as you're not going into business (like Ghostbusters, and/or "Pablo the Mexican") or doing something sacrilegious/irreverent with holy water (no squirt guns, water balloons, or super soakers, for example), you're fine.
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Yes, definitely.
An aspergillium and/or bucket isn't too expensive.
As for using holy water reverently to bless objects and persons, that is PRECISELY what it is meant for. Think about it: when you bless yourself with holy water you're not invading the priests' office either.
You didn't bless the water; so don't worry about usurping the priest's role. In fact, you're not "blessing" anything per se (that requires speaking) but rather USING a sacramental with devotion as it was intended. By using holy water, you extend the blessing that the PRIEST used on the holy water, applying it to the objects/persons you sprinkle the holy water on.
You sprinkling your house with holy water (with an aspergillium) is about like Trad bishops making the consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. They're not pretending it's the one Our Lady asked for (the Pope in union with ALL the bishops) but it's not a bad thing either. In both cases, you're doing your best, doing "your part". Likewise, you're not pretending to consecrate a building or even confer a formal (priest's) blessing from the Ritual Romanum upon your house -- you're just blessing a building with holy water. Not as good as a priest's direct blessing on your home, but certainly not worthless either!
As long as you're not going into business (like Ghostbusters, and/or "Pablo the Mexican") or doing something sacrilegious/irreverent with holy water (no squirt guns, water balloons, or super soakers, for example), you're fine.
Thanks. That clears up my concerns.
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You could kick it up a notch and grow some hyssop to sprinkle the house with while saying the Asperges me.
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I sometimes sprinkle holy water in my house saying the prayer to St. Michael.
I think that it is a good combination.
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My routine is the yearly Epiphany blessing with the chalk, prayers, and Epiphany water. Then a few times a month sprinkle blessed salt in the form of a cross on the floor of each room.
I also have blessed St Benedict medals on the front and back doors of my house.
I use regular holy water to sprinkle around the perimeter of home (outside). I also use the holy water to make the sign of the cross on my doors when I leave home.
All of the above is done while invoking Our Lady under the title Virgo Potens, along with St Benedict and St Michael. Asking their intercession.
Eta: I also stream Gregorian Chant while at home. Keeps my thoughts in check.