Is It A Sin to Drink Holy Water?

Published October 18, 2023

There is no biblical basis that says drinking holy water is a sin. In fact, as a powerful sacramental, it can be used to bless virtually anything. As such, it’s perfectly alright to drink holy water as long as it comes from a hygienic source.

Besides, it’s not unheard of for Catholics to drink holy water. Historically, pilgrims and devotees drink water from sacred springs. Orthodox Christians are also known to drink holy water to bless themselves.

What is Holy Water?

Holy water is a sacred liquid with spiritual significance in various religious traditions. Water has been blessed by a religious authority, such as a priest or clergy member, through specific rituals and prayers. Holy water is often used in religious ceremonies, rites, and sacraments.

In Christianity, holy water is believed to be imbued with divine grace. It is used for purposes such as baptism, blessing people, objects, or spaces, and warding off evil or negative influences. It is seen as a symbol of purity, cleansing, and spiritual protection. The water used for this purpose is usually regular water sanctified through prayers and blessings.

The use of holy water extends to other religions as well. Different religious traditions have their specific rituals and prayers for blessing water. So, the methods of using holy water can vary.

What is Holy Water Made of?

In most Christian traditions, holy water is typically made using clean water. The water used for making holy water is tap or natural spring water.

The essential element in holy water is the blessing and consecration performed by a religious authority. Through specific prayers, invocations, and rituals, the water is sanctified.

Some churches may add substances to the water, such as salt or herbs, for extra symbolic or ceremonial purposes. These additions can vary depending on local customs or specific religious practices.

How is Holy Water Made?

Making holy water varies depending on the religious tradition and specific rituals followed. But here is a general overview of how holy water is typically made.

1. Water

The first step is gathering clean water, whether tap or natural spring water. The water must be pure and free from any contaminants.

2. Blessing

A priest or clergy member performs a specific blessing ritual over the water. This involves prayers, invocations, and the sign of the cross. The prayers and blessings used may vary among denominations or local customs.

3. Invocation

During the blessing, the priest may invoke the Holy Spirit or seek divine intervention to sanctify the water. This invocation is believed to imbue the water with spiritual power and grace.

4. Sprinkling and Aspergillum

Once the water is blessed, it is often poured into a container known as an aspergillum. An aspergillum is a vessel with perforations or a sprig of herbs attached to it. Using the aspergillum, The priest may sprinkle the holy water onto people, objects, or spaces.

6. Storage

Holy water is typically stored in a specially designated container within a church or religious setting, such as a font or holy water stoup. These containers are readily accessible for individuals to use when needed.

What Makes Holy Water Holy?

Holy water is considered holy because it is connected to religious rituals and blessings. People believe its holiness comes from the spiritual power and grace added to it through prayers and invocations by a religious person, like a priest.

What Happens If You Drink Holy Water?

The holy water is an essential symbol for Catholics. We use it in some sacraments like baptism and for many other purposes. Most of the time, we use it to bless something like our house, a new car, and even ourselves.

When you drink holy water, you invoke God’s grace – like when sprinkling it on things. Depending on how fervent your faith is, you may or may not receive your desired results.

Remember, God will not care whether you drink, sprinkle, or bathe in holy water. The act itself does not matter. It’s not a competition where whoever uses the most sacred water receives the most blessings. What matters is how strong your belief in God is.

Thus, drinking or sprinkling holy water alone is not enough. It must be coupled with a strong faith in God. After all, it’s His grace that makes that water holy. Otherwise, it’s just ordinary water.

So, never think that holy water will magically wash away all your troubles. If you do, that’s already superstition – something the church doesn’t encourage.

Though it’s an essential part of most Catholic rites, the holy water is just a channel through which God’s blessing flows. Whatever healing powers it may have, it comes from God. You won’t feel any effect without faith, no matter how much water you drink.