Holy Water consists of two essential components, namely, pure or clean water and salt. A priest typically blesses the water used for holy water during a specific ritual. This blessing involves the recitation of prayers and the making of the sign of the cross over the water. The salt is usually regular table salt, added to the blessed water. The salt represents purity and preservation and symbolizes the earth's offerings.

We use the Holy Water in almost every religious activity. Holy Water is a sacramental, and in the Roman Catholic Church, sprinkling it recalls our Baptism. Traditionally, the Blessing of Water is accompanied by an exorcism and the addition of exorcised and blessed salt.

Once blessed, the Holy Water is placed in a receptacle accessible to worshippers. Most churches have small fonts at the entrance. Upon entering the church, the faithful dip their fingers into the font and make the sign of the cross to prepare for the liturgy.

The holy water reminds us of our baptism and our union with Christ. The imagery of "washing" helps us to remember that we need to be cleansed and forgiven of our sins.

The Holy Water is a natural symbol of purification, its use symbolizing the removal of uncleanness, either ritual or moral. The Church uses the Holy Water to bless individuals, homes, articles of devotion, vehicles and buildings.

Only a validly ordained bishop, priest, or deacon can bless clean water to make it Holy Water.

Holy Water is related to or significant in celebrating the Sacraments (part of the celebration, meaning of the symbol or gesture), as Sr. Maria Cecilia Payawal, PDDM, taught us.

Holy water is used in various sacraments and sacramentals, such as the anointing of the sick, the blessing of religious articles, and the dedication of churches and altars.

There are instances where a priest or a deacon might forget to bring Holy Water when called upon to perform a blessing, and this would make lay people question if a person, object, or deceased was blessed.

To lay people, a blessing is not complete without the sprinkling of Holy Water.