LL writes: “Someone told me that exorcised holy water is the most powerful kind to use. Is this true?” All holy waters are powerful, but there are different kinds that some theologians believe are more powerful than others; however, this is a matter of opinion, and not Church teaching.
Exorcised Holy Water
According to Msgr. Charles Pope, it is the opinion of exorcists that using solemnly blessed (exorcised) holy water vexes demons during exorcism more than ordinary holy water.
He explains: “Solemnly blessed holy water is mixed with blessed salt. And both the salt and the water are exorcised before they are blessed. The purpose of an exorcism is to cast away any demonic presence before the blessing is conferred. Some theologians, including St. Thomas Aquinas, have held that exorcisms before certain blessings (and especially before baptism) increase the fruitfulness of what the blessing effects.”
However, he adds: “Exorcism or not, the water is still blessed, but the fruitfulness may be increased since the demons who might seek to interfere with some of the fruits of its being blessed have been sent away.”
This has certainly been the experience of Father Chad Ripperger who addressed this subject in an interview with WQPH Radio. He said that in his experience, holy water blessed in the New Rite is not as efficacious as the Old Rite which includes the exorcism of salt, water, and then the mixing of the two together.
“We get what we pray for,” Father said. “They say ‘oh well, they’re both blessed, they both have the same efficacy, but that’s contrary to scripture because Christ actually said ‘knock and it shall be open, ask and you will receive.’ There’s a direct correspondence between what you ask for and what you’re going to get.”
Epiphany Water
The most powerful form of holy water is said to be Epiphany water which is blessed once a year on the vigil of the Epiphany using an extensive liturgical rite that uses strong language to invoke the power of God over evil. It is considered particularly effective for blessing homes.
Father Ripperger referred to Epiphany water as “basically the Old Rite of exorcism on steroids.”
Gregorian Water
According to this site: “Gregorian water is a mixture of water (a symbol of life and cleansing) with salt (health and preservation), ashes (humility) and wine (spiritual abundance and joy). A bishop exorcizes and blesses the salt and water; blesses the ashes and wine; then mixes them together and blesses the mixture. It is then a sacramental used in the rite of consecrating churches, altars, and altar stones (that is, dedicating them exclusively to divine use)."
It’s name derives from Pope Gregory the Great who prescribed it for use in the consecration of a church.
Easter Water
This water is also blessed during the Easter Vigil and represents the resurrection of Christ. It is often distributed to the faithful to use throughout the year to bless their homes, food, or for personal prayer.
Baptismal Water
Baptismal water is a portion of the Easter Water that is ceremonially mixed with consecrated oils, specifically the Oil of Catechumens and Holy Christian, during the administration of the sacrament of Baptism.
Ordinary Holy Water
This is the most common form, it is blessed by a priest and is typically used for blessing persons, homes and objects.
Holy water is a sacramental which means it is a “sacred sign” which bears resemblance to the sacraments. As the Catechism states, “they signify effects, particularly of a spiritual nature, which are obtained through the intercession of the Church. By them men are disposed to receive the chief effect of the sacraments, and various occasions in life are rendered holy.” (CCC No. 1667)
In other words, all of the power of God and His Church is behind the use of this blessed water, which is why it has such a long and storied history, particularly in the area of banishing demons who are extraordinarily averse to even the smallest drop of this water (and this is by their own admission to exorcists, by the way).
The great Carmelite mystic and Doctor of the Church, St. Teresa of Avila left us this witness concerning her own personal experience with holy water and the devil.
‘I was once in an oratory, and [the devil] appeared to me in an abominable form at my left side. Because he spoke to me, I looked particularly at his mouth — which was most frightening. It seemed that a great flame, all bright without shadow, came forth from his body. He told me in a terrifying way that I had really freed myself from his hands but that he would catch me with them again. I was struck with great fear and blessed myself as best I could; he disappeared, but returned right away. This happened to me twice. I didn’t know what to do. There was some holy water there, and I threw it in that direction; he never returned again … I often experience that there is nothing the devils flee from more — without returning — than holy water’.
The faithful have been blessed with the availability of holy water - in its various forms - and should avail themselves of this sacramental on a daily basis!
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