Catholics/Holy Water

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Expert: - 3/21/2009


Question
What can you tell me about the origination of the use of Holy Water?
Any details appreciated.
Thanks

Answer
Holy water was used in the old testament: God's laws in the Old Testament which require cleaning ritually unclean things with water to purify them before you can touch them (see Leviticus 15, 16, and 17:15). See also a specific reference to ritually unclean people found at Numbers 19:17.

There are no clear references to the practice in the New Testament, but the practice has been around for quite some time.  See also:

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07432a.htm

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J.M.J. West

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I will make an attempt at almost any question. I am a trained Catechist and Apologist, and I can answer most questions regarding: -Church Doctrine -Biblical questions (I have a cursory understanding of Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic) -Catholic Philosophy -History of the Church (especially the early church) -Apologetic questions (i.e. why we believe what we believe) -Ethics I look forward to your questions!

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I work as the College Catechist of Benedictine College in Atchison, KS, and the Director of RCIA. I am a revert to the Catholic faith and had to learn my way home, so to speak.

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B.A. Philosophy, Benedictine College B.A. History, Benedictine College

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