Q. Can you use holy water by consuming it?
A. Holy water is a very common (probably the most common) sacramental in the Church. As a reminder, sacramentals are “sacred signs by which effects, especially spiritual effects, are signified in some imitation of the sacraments and are obtained through the intercession of the Church” (c. 1166).
While “imitation” might seem like a strange word to use, given the negative connotation that word can have in modern parlance, here the Code is simply trying to express that sacramentals are lesser actions or objects that are meant to mirror the effects of a sacrament, while also conferring some spiritual benefit.
Taking holy water as an example, the most exalted use of water is in the Baptismal Rite in which water is used to forgive Original Sin (and personal sin for those over the age of 7), and incorporate the person being baptized into the life of the Trinity. The Church uses holy water in many other ways, though – each of which mirrors the effects of baptism without conferring the effects of baptism.
Consider the sprinkling rite that is commonly used during the Easter season. The sprinkling with holy water is obviously not a new baptism but imitates baptism, inviting those who are sprinkled to recall that they are Children of God and to renew their commitment to living out their baptism. Because the water is blessed, it does convey some spiritual benefit, though not to the same level as when used in Baptism.
Outside of the liturgy of the Church, holy water is used to bless objects and spaces, again in imitation of baptism. By that I do not mean that a house or a rosary, after being blessed, becomes incorporated into the Trinity, but, in imitation of baptism, objects are set apart for the use of God, or a home is washed clean from the effects of sin in the form of spiritual afflictions or demonic presence, analogous to the effect of baptism on a person.
Since holy water is a sacramental, it is regulated by the Church. We are not free to use a sacramental in whatever manner we see fit. Again, they are meant to imitate a sacrament and confer some spiritual benefit, and therefore need to be used in accord with this. Holy water should only be used in a manner that conforms to its connection to the Sacrament of Baptism.
Is drinking holy water using it in a manner in conformity with its connection to the Sacrament of Baptism? As far as I can tell, the Church has no official stance on this. I could not find anywhere that the Church either encourages or discourages this practice. When the Church is silent on a matter, it means there can be legitimate disagreement over it. In the case of drinking holy water, I am sure there are opposing views held by faithful Catholics, and that’s OK.
Since the Church is silent on the matter, I cannot give a definitive answer to this question. I would simply ask what the motivation is for drinking holy water. You can make an argument that drinking holy water mirrors baptism by recalling our Lord’s words to the Woman at the Well regarding life giving water and the effects of baptism.
You can also make an argument that drinking holy water is not in conformity to baptism, given that God raises us to new life through baptism by the cleric pouring water or immersing the person in water. If the most exalted use of water is all external, then why would you drink holy water when using it in imitation of baptism?
As with all sacramentals, the most important thing to keep in mind is avoiding superstition. Holy water is not magic, and drinking it – while not forbidden – is not more efficacious than when we dip our fingers in it and make the sign of the cross when entering a church or being sprinkled with it during the liturgy.
This question was answered by Father Caleb La Rue, chancellor of the Diocese of Lincoln. Write to Ask the Register using our online form, or write to 3700 Sheridan Blvd., Suite 10, Lincoln NE 68506-6100. All questions are subject to editing. Editors decide which questions to publish. Personal questions cannot be answered. People with such questions are urged to take them to their nearest Catholic priest.
