Our Lady of the Rosary

Baltimore track

Baltimore Catechism No. 3

Lesson 27 — On the Sacramentals

Q. 1072.How does the water blessed on Holy Saturday, or Easter Water, as it is called, differ from the holy water blessed at other times?

A.The water blessed on Holy Saturday, or Easter Water, as it is called, differs from the holy water blessed at other times in this, that the Easter water is blessed with greater solemnity, the paschal candle, which represents Our Lord risen from the dead, having been dipped into it with a special prayer.

Q. 1073.Is water ever blessed in honor of certain saints?

A.Water is sometimes blessed in honor of certain saints and for special purposes. The form of prayer to be used in such blessings is found in the Roman Ritual--the book containing prayers and ceremonies for the administration of the Sacraments and of blessings authorized by the Church.

Q. 1074.Are there other sacramentals besides the sign of the cross and holy water?

A.Beside the sign of the cross and holy water there are many other sacramentals, such as blessed candles, ashes, palms, crucifixes, images of the Blessed Virgin and of the saints, rosaries, and scapulars.

Q. 1075.When are candles blessed in the Church and why are they used?

A.Candles are blessed in the Church on the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin--February 2nd. They are used chiefly to illuminate and ornament our altars, as a mark of reverence for the presence of Our Lord and of joy at His coming.