Nangolengor online media, Lodwar (2024)

16/08/2024

WORD FOR THE DAY...

TOPIC: DISCIPLINE SEPARATES THE BEST FROM THE REST...

In our society, talent is often glorified. We celebrate prodigies and marvel at individuals who possess extraordinary natural abilities. While talent can undoubtedly provide an edge, it is not the definitive factor that guarantees success. The true determinant of greatness is discipline, a relentless commitment to excellence, unwavering perseverance, and the ability to consistently put in the work, day in and day out. Consider the words of Jim Rohn: "Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment." This bridge is built through daily habits, focused effort, and a refusal to give up in the face of challenges. Talent may set the stage, but it is discipline that propels individuals to the pinnacle of success. Think about the legendary athletes, musicians, and entrepreneurs we admire. Behind their public successes are countless hours of practice, preparation, and sacrifice. Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, once said, "I’ve always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come. I don’t do things half-heartedly. Because I know if I do, then I can expect half-hearted results." Jordan's success was not merely a product of his talent but of his relentless work ethic and disciplined approach to the game.

Similarly, in the realm of music, Beethoven's genius was matched by his tireless dedication to his craft. Despite losing his hearing, he continued to compose masterpieces, demonstrating that discipline can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. His story teaches us that talent is just the starting point; it is discipline that ensures we reach our full potential. In the world of business, we see the same principle at play. Steve Jobs, the visionary behind Apple, was known for his obsessive attention to detail and his uncompromising pursuit of excellence. His disciplined approach to innovation and design set Apple apart from its competitors and revolutionized the tech industry. But what exactly is discipline? Discipline is the ability to control one's impulses, emotions, and behaviors in pursuit of a greater goal. It involves setting clear objectives, creating structured routines, and maintaining a high level of focus and determination. Discipline requires us to make sacrifices, to forgo short-term pleasures for long-term gains. It is about doing what needs to be done, even when we don't feel like doing it.

Discipline also involves resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks and failures. It is about maintaining consistency, even when progress seems slow or obstacles appear insurmountable. Thomas Edison, who faced numerous failures before inventing the light bulb, famously said, "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." His perseverance exemplifies the power of disciplined effort. Moreover, discipline fosters self-mastery. It enables us to develop our skills, improve our performance, and continuously strive for excellence. It transforms potential into reality. Talent may open doors, but discipline ensures we walk through them and make the most of the opportunities presented to us. To cultivate discipline, we must start with small, consistent actions. Set achievable goals, create a structured routine, and hold yourself accountable. Surround yourself with individuals who inspire and support your journey. Remember, discipline is a habit, and like any habit, it takes time and effort to develop. While talent may provide a spark, it is discipline that fuels the fire of success. Discipline, not talent, is what separates the best from the rest. It is the unyielding commitment to excellence, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the perseverance to keep going when others give up. Let us embrace the power of discipline in our lives, for it is the key to unlocking our true potential and achieving greatness.

Abusha Lemiraa Nangolengor

15/08/2024

BREAKING NEWS!!!

Pope Francis appoints Rt. Rev. Wallace Ng’ang’a Bishop of Military Ordinariate and Rev. Fr. Peter Kimani Bishop of Embu

By Sr. Adelaide Ndilu and Rose Achiego Ande

The Holy Father, Pope Francis has appointed Rt. Rev. Wallace Ng’ang’a the Bishop of the Military Ordinariate and Rev. Fr. Peter Kimani Ndu’ngu the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Embu.

The news of the appointments was officially published in L’Osservatore Romano in Rome on 15th August 2024, at 12:00 pm Rome time and 1:00 pm Kenyan time.

His Excellency Archbishop Bert van Megen, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, also conveyed the message of the appointments to the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) through an official communication.

Bishop Wallace Ng’ang’a

Until his appointment, Bishop Ng’ang’a was the Auxilliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi following his Apostolic Ordination and Installation on 6th April 2024. He was appointed Bishop on 14th February 2024 and he is currently serving at the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) as the Chairman of the Commission for Social Communications and Vice Chairman of the Commission for Pastoral and Lay Apostolate.

Brief Biography

Bishop Wallace began his spiritual journey at St. Mary’s Molo Seminary in 1996 for his Spiritual Year. Subsequently, from 1997 to 1998, he pursued his philosophical studies at St. Augustine Major Seminary Mabanga. His theological studies took place from 1999 to 2003 at St. Mathias Mulumba Major Seminary in Eldoret. Additionally, he holds a Masters in Pastoral Theology from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (C.U.E.A).

Bishop Wallace received priestly ordination on 21st May 2005. He has served in various parishes, including St. John the Evangelist parish Githiga, where he initially served as a deacon, and later at Sts. Peter and Paul Kiambu. Following his priestly ordination, he was appointed as the assistant Father-in-Charge at the same parish. He also served at St. Peter the Apostle Kikuyu Parish as the Father in Charge.

He has also served as the Pastoral Coordinator of the Archdiocese of Nairobi, He worked at Christ the King Embakasi as a Parish Priest and served as the Fr. In Charge at Queen of Apostles Parish, Ruaraka.

Bishop-Elect Peter Kimani Ndung’u

Brief Biography

The Bishop-Elect was born in 1966 to the late Mr. Joseph Ndung’u and Janet Wambui in Kamuchege village, Holy Family Githunguri Parish. He joined Queen of Apostles Junior Seminary in 1982 for his secondary education and completed in 1985. From 1986 to 1987 he continued his advanced certificate of education in the same seminary.

He later joined the Apostles of Jesus Major Seminary from 1984 to 1990 for a diploma in philosophical and religious studies. From 1991 to 1994 he undertook a bachelor of Arts in Sacred Theology. He was ordained a deacon in 1994 and in 1995, he was ordained a priest of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi.

The Bishop-Elect has obtained the following certificates: Counselling Skills for Rehabilitation of Offenders; Trauma Counselling Skills, and a Certificate in Staff Training for Correctional Leadership.

He has served in the following parishes and offices:

1994 – 1995: Deacon at Holy Family Parish, Githunguri
1995 -1999: Assistant Priest at St. Peter & Paul Kiambu
1999 – 2001: Father in Charge at Holy Rosary Parish, Kamwangi
2001 to date: National Chaplain of Kenya Prison Service
2008 to date: Representative to International Catholic Commission for Prisons Pastoral Care – (ICCPPC), Africa representative.

He has traveled far and wide as a representative to ICCPPC – Italy, Germany, Austria, USA, Brazil, Argentina, and South Africa among others.

14/08/2024

𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐅 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘; 𝐓𝐇𝐔𝐑 19𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐊 𝐎.𝐓, 15𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐔𝐆 2024.
(𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲; 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁.𝐕.𝐌)
Mass During the Day.

𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐄; 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐅𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘!

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈
𝐑𝐯 11:19; 12:1-6, 10

The reading gives some insights into the assumption of Mary into heaven. The sun and moon are symbols of her purity. By conquering the serpent she brought us a child(Jesus) who conquered sin and death by dying on the cross.

𝐑𝐞𝐬. 𝐏𝐬;
𝐏𝐬 45:10-12, 16

R̸. (10𝐛𝐜) 𝐎𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐫.

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐈;
1 𝐂𝐨𝐫 15:20-27

Paul's writing to the Corinthians speaks of Christ's resurrection and those who believe in Christ.

𝐆𝐎𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐋;
Lk 1:39-56

In today's gospel, Mary's song of Praise when she visited Elizabeth's house gives us hope in the fulfillment of God's promises in our lives.

𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐝!

𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑;
"Lord Jesus, you alone are my treasure and the joy of my heart. May there be nothing in this world that holds me back from giving you my all - you are my all, my life and joy now and forever. Amen"

𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓, 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓, 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓!

Abusha Lemiraa Nangolengor
0707042297
€constatine Lemiraa longor

14/08/2024

MY EARLY MORNING LESSON
TOPIC: LIFE HAPPENS, AND MOST TIMES, IT'S NOT THE WAY WE PLANNED IT...

When we were children, we looked up and speculated how we would end up as pilots and astronauts, but today, life happened and most of us are yet to step their foot on an airplane not even as cleaners or hosts/hostesses, but even as ordinary passengers, even as we gradually approach the age of 40. Life happens and most times, it's not the way we planned it. Most of us, when we walked into hospitals as kids, dreamt of becoming top medical doctors; for some, this dream materialized, but for many, they won't be able to administer even paracetamol, and they won't touch a syringe until they go back to mother earth. Life happens in ways that we never planned; make the most of wherever you find yourself. There are those I know who wanted to become Catholic priests. Some of them gave their all and they sacrificed so much to find themselves on the altar of God, but as far as this vocation is concerned, no man has the capability or the ability to take this honour upon himself. Each is called and He who calls, qualifies. They are not priests, and sadly, some of them left the church and are presently kicking against Holy mother Church. Life doesn't always turn up in the manner we desire and that's the beauty of it. If you don't keep your remaining eggs together when life happens to you, you will end up filled with bitterness, anger and regret. Hold Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament closely as you journey in life, so that you won't have a mental and emotional breakdown when life breaks down your once beautiful dreams and lands you somewhere that you never planned to be.

Life will happen to all of us, whether we like it or not and saying "God forbid," will not forbid it. You will encounter things that you never planned, and that is completely normal. You will have business mishaps and sometimes, you may be completely thrown out of business; that is part of the game. There will be days when you wil meet your former classmates and you will wonder if someone cursed you while you were growing up; don't get it twisted, you will still become all that God has destined you to be. You will have days that you will have bitter quarrels with your spouse and your boss or colleagues in the office will add salt to your wounds. There will be times when you will lose your job, lose an election or a loved one, you maybe thrown out of your home or be surrounded by haters and conspirators. There will be the rainy and sad days, but don't forget that there will also be the sunny and happy days. Don't slide into depression when your plans don't work as you intended. Don't become frustrated when you see others glowing, but there you are, sometimes with no wife, no car, no home, and worse still, no hope. Life will try to break you down in so many ways; make sure that you have Jesus and Mary by your side. Don't try to do it on your own alone, else when life happens, you might find yourself lost on the open sea of life. Hold Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament closely and tightly; you will thank me if you do.

Your servant,
Abusha Lemiraa Nangolengor
(My early morning lesson)
Thursday 15, August 2024
+254707042297

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Nangolengor online media

14/08/2024

MY PERSONAL OPINION
TOPIC: DON'T LISTEN TO EVERY VOICE YOU HEAR

Many who pose as advisers, are actually destroyers. Some of those voices admonishing you are actually intent on breaking you to pieces, but you don't know this. There are voices that sound wise, but the counsel that they give will cancel you and your progress in the long run. Don't be in a haste to act on what someone said because the person is your friend, neighbour, brother or sister; think and pray before you act. Some of those advising you are the very reason you are, where you are now. Some of those pointing out the way to you, don't even know the way, but to make sure that you are lost like them, they will keep leading you on until you find yourself at a dead end. There are those who are presently massaging your ego with their pretentious advice; be careful. Some might be flattering you by calling you "courageous;" shine your eyes. That man that came behind the scene to congratulate you after that bloodless verbal war with your brother, sister or boss, doesn't love you; know this and know peace. That man that brings information from the other camp to you, might also be the chief informant of that camp; use your brain or people will mess you up. The day it dawned on me that some of those who come behind to tell me that they like my boldness and that they enjoy seeing me stand my ground, were actually those who sit with people from the other side to analyse my words and actions, and to vehemently condemn me, calling me proud and arrogant, I pinched myself and adviced myself by myself.

There are those who enjoy seeing you fight and wound yourself. When they see the fire dying down, they pour in more fuel. Some of them will come as your advisers and supporters; beware. Some make their money, gain popularity and rise to higher offices by setting us against each other, and this proves the saying that "ala adighi mma, bu uru ndi nze" (when the land is in trouble, the titled men gain) right. When a man said, "don't listen to every voice you hear," it dawned on me that hearing voices is different from listening to them. Some of you are stuck at a particular level for years because of the people advising you. Many homes are broken today because of the people advising them. Some men have become Mike Tyson, beating their wives blue and black because a man somewhere, somehow convinced him that raining blows on his wife will make him the reigning champion in his home; but he is being deceived. Many are rotting in jails because they followed an advice that appeared honest and genuine. Yes, some graves are filled with the decaying bodies of people who listened to the wrong voices. I don't follow every advice I receive from people. Anyway, I don't even talk to many people about my moves; that's the first thing. I go to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament with my plans, ponder on them, seek consultative admonitions from one or two persons, and I am good to go. If you want to live long, don't take every piece of advice you receive.

Your servant,
Abusha Lemiraa Nangolengor
(My personal opinion)

14/08/2024

WORD FOR THE DAY
TOPIC: YOUR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS IS YOUR SECRET WEAPON TO SUCCESS

The people you surround yourself with have the power to elevate you, to inspire you, and to push you towards your greatest achievements. Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” This statement holds profound truth. Your friends influence your thoughts, your attitudes, and your actions. They shape your ambitions and your worldview. Therefore, choosing the right circle of friends is not just important; it is essential for your success. Your circle of friends is your secret weapon because they provide diverse perspectives. They challenge you to think differently, to step out of your comfort zone, and to explore new possibilities. They hold you accountable, ensuring that you stay true to your goals and aspirations. When you stumble, they are there to pick you up, dust you off, and encourage you to keep going. In the pursuit of success, there will be moments of doubt and fear. There will be times when you feel like giving up. In these moments, your circle of friends becomes your safety net. They remind you of your potential, your strengths, and your dreams. Their belief in you becomes a powerful motivator, driving you to persevere even when the going gets tough.

Moreover, your friends serve as role models. When you surround yourself with ambitious, driven, and successful individuals, their qualities rub off on you. Their discipline, work ethic, and positive attitude become infectious, inspiring you to adopt similar traits. You begin to see their achievements not as unattainable goals, but as benchmarks you too can reach. But just as a supportive circle can propel you towards success, a toxic circle can drag you down. Friends who are negative, complacent, or envious can stifle your growth. They can sow seeds of doubt and insecurity, hindering your progress. This is why it is vital to choose your friends wisely. Surround yourself with those who uplift you, who believe in your dreams, and who are committed to their own personal growth. Building a powerful circle of friends requires effort and intentionality. Seek out individuals who inspire you, who share your values, and who challenge you to be your best self. Invest in these relationships, nurture them, and be the kind of friend who supports and uplifts others. Your circle of friends is indeed your secret weapon to success. They are your support system, your motivators, and your challengers. They shape your journey, influence your mindset, and propel you towards your goals. Choose your friends wisely, invest in meaningful relationships, and watch as your circle becomes a powerful force driving you towards success.

Abusha Lemiraa Nangolengor

13/08/2024

Wednesday Devotion to St Joseph.

Prayer to St. Joseph
Blessed Joseph, husband of Mary,
be with us this day.
You protected and cherished
the Virgin; loving the Child Jesus
as your Son, you rescued Him
from the danger of death.
Defend the Church, the household
of God, purchased by the
blood of Christ.

Guardian of the Holy Family,
be with us in our trials.
May your prayers
obtain for us the
strength to flee
from error and
wrestle with the
powers of corruption
so that in life
we may grow in holiness
and in death rejoice
in the crown of victory.
Amen

13/08/2024

TUESDAY MY EARLY MORNING LESSON
TOPIC: HAVE THE WISDOM TO RECOGNIZE THE WRONG TRAIN AND THE COURAGE TO GET OFF

Entering the wrong train isn't my problem, after all we all can make mistakes. My problem is not getting off at the first stop. When you fall, don't stay down; pick something and get up. Life, for me, is a journey filled with countless choices, paths, and decisions. Each step you take, each direction you choose, shapes your destiny. There are times you will find yourself on the wrong train, heading in a direction you never intended, towards a destination you never desired. If you get on the wrong train, be sure to get off at the first stop. The longer you stay on, the more expensive the return trip is going to cost you. I am not talking about trains; I am talking about life, about choices, and about the importance of recognizing when you are on the wrong path before it’s too late. We have all been there, haven't we? We have all found ourselves on a metaphorical train that didn’t feel right, perhaps it was a relationship, a job, a habit, or a mindset. At first, we may have ignored the warning signs, telling ourselves that things would get better, that we could change the situation, or that the discomfort we felt was temporary. But deep down, we knew. We knew that this train was taking us further away from who we were meant to be. The truth is, the longer we stay on that wrong train, the more we invest in it, our time, our energy, our emotions. We start to rationalize our decisions, telling ourselves that it's too late to turn back, that we have gone too far. But the longer we stay, the more we lose. The price we pay for continuing down the wrong path is often far greater than the cost of getting off at the first stop.

Life is too precious to be wasted on the wrong paths. If you find yourself on a train that doesn’t lead to your true calling, if you are heading in a direction that feels wrong in your heart, don’t be afraid to get off. Don’t let pride, fear, or stubbornness keep you trapped in a journey that isn’t meant for you. The longer you stay, the more it will cost you, your peace, your joy, your purpose and your mental health. Don't forget that every stop is a chance to start over. Every moment is an opportunity to choose a different path, to step off the train and take a new direction. It may be difficult, it may be painful, but it will be worth it. The return journey, though challenging, is a journey of healing, of rediscovery, and of reclaiming your true self. So, I ask you today, what train are you on? Where is it taking you? And if it’s the wrong train, will you have the courage to get off at the first stop? Remember, the cost of the return trip only gets more expensive the longer you stay on. Don’t wait until the price is too high. Choose the path that leads to life, to peace, to love, and to your true purpose. May we all have the wisdom to recognize when we’re on the wrong train and the courage to step off and choose a better path. And may the journey ahead be one of hope, redemption, and endless possibilities.

Your servant,
Abusha Lemiraa Nangolengor
(My early morning lesson)

13/08/2024

TUESDAY MY PERSONAL OPINION
TOPIC: THANK GOD THAT MEN ARE NOT GOD

If men were God, they would have broken so many in ways that such persons won't be mended ever again. Men don't usually bend their brothers; more often than not, they break them in unimaginable ways. David chose to be punished by God, and not by men because he understood how man's mindset works when his anger is aroused (2 Sam. 24:14). David saw things that we didn't see and he understood dimensions that we are still scratching on the surface. Each time I look at my life, I always raise my hands in praise to God and say, "Thank you Jesus that men are not God." The Psalmist in Psalm 124:1-2 says, "if it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose against us, they would have swallowed us alive when their anger was kindled." Isn't it unimaginable that the one who broke his brother beyond repair was also moved about nonchalantly and even had the boldness to stand and question God? When God confronted him, he devilishly asked God, "am I my brother's keeper?" Think of the number of times you have dealt with people under you, and imagine how you would have treated them if you had divine powers to make them disappear. Have you felt the full wrath of the people in power? I have and I will tell you that it is not funny. When men decide to put on their television of wickedness for you to watch, it will only take the grace of God for you to survive after watching the graphic display of man's meanness and madness to you. You and I are not exempted; we are all involved in this.

Don't be among those who know how to make people lose their jobs because they want to show them that they are in-charge. Don't forget that there is God and that you are not Him. Don't join the gang of those who break their brothers and sisters to pieces because they feel threatened by their rise, shine, wins, growth and promotion. Don't beat the drum for other people's downfall because you have one small office. Don't forget that even the office of the president of this nation is a small office because the president cannot buy more time or bribe God and His angels to prolong his days. Don't be a Pharaoh; be merciful. Don't be the reason that poor woman will run to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament to weep, roll on the floor and cry uncontrollably; you won't end well. Don't unjustly and mercilessly deal with that young man because you don't like him or because he spoke up; you might not be terminating his job only, maybe you are also terminating so many mouths, lives, rents, food, hospital bills and hopes that depend on him. I often thank God that man is not God, because when I see the way we deal with each other in this world created by God and given to us to inhabit, I wonder how it would have been if men were in-charge of our breath, progress, promotion, growth and development. Thank you Jesus for always loving us and for not letting men have the final say over our lives. If you want to be the God that your brother or sister will see, then you must love, help and care for them even when they fall.

Your servant,
Abusha Lemiraa Nangolengor
(My personal opinion)

13/08/2024

WORD FOR THE DAY
TOPIC: THINK OR YOU WILL SINK...

In a world where information is abundant but wisdom is scarce, the ability to think critically and independently is not just a luxury; it is a necessity. Our minds are the most powerful tools we possess. They shape our perceptions, dictate our actions, and ultimately determine our destiny. The proverb, "It is not the skull that protects the brain; it is the brain that protects the skull," underscores a profound truth. The brain, our seat of thought and reason, is the commander-in-chief that ensures our survival and prosperity. Don't forget that your brain is your internal compass, guiding you through the maze of life’s challenges. When faced with adversity, it is your ability to think critically that allows you to navigate the stormy seas. Without this capacity, you are like a ship without a rudder, at the mercy of the waves. To think or to sink—this is the choice before you. It is not the external fortifications that will save us, but the internal strength of our minds. History is replete with examples of individuals and civilizations that rose to greatness through the power of thought. The great thinkers, innovators, and leaders of our world were not those with the strongest physical defenses, but those with the most profound intellectual foresight.

As we stand at the crossroads of a rapidly changing world, the ability to think becomes ever more critical. Technological advancements, social upheavals, and global challenges demand that we engage our minds fully. We must cultivate the habit of deep thinking, questioning the status quo, and seeking innovative solutions. To the youth I say: do not be content with superficial knowledge. Dive deep into the realms of thought. Challenge yourself to understand the complexities of the world around you. Remember, it is not the protective shell of your environment that will safeguard your future, but the resilience and clarity of your mind. To the leaders and decision-makers, I urge you to prioritize intellectual development in your policies and practices. Invest in education, foster environments that encourage free thought, and lead by example. The strength of your leadership will be measured not by the walls you build but by the minds you inspire. In our personal lives, let us adopt the discipline of reflective thinking. Before reacting to a situation, let us pause and consider the best course of action. Let us be mindful of the impact of our decisions on ourselves and others. By doing so, we create a ripple effect of positive change. For me, the call to think or sink is a call to embrace the full potential of our minds. It is a call to recognize that our true protection lies not in external barriers, but in the power of our thoughts. Let us heed this call with urgency and dedication. Let us become thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers. For in thinking, we not only protect ourselves but also propel our world towards a brighter, more enlightened future.

Abusha Lemiraa Nangolengor

13/08/2024

𝗨𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘀
𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄

Holy water is a common fixture in Catholic churches. You’ll often see ornate stoups filled with holy water right at the church’s entrance.

Growing up as a Catholic, you’ve probably dipped your fingers in these basins and made the sign of the cross thousands of times before. In fact, this gesture comes naturally to Catholics that we often do it without conscious thought.

We dip our fingers in the font and bless ourselves as we enter the Church. In making the sign of the cross with the Holy Water, we are mindful that we are called to renew those baptismal promises of rejecting Satan, all His works, and all his empty promises, and to profess our credal faith.

But have you ever wondered why the water in it is considered holy?

Most probably, you didn’t. Not many of us do. Holy water is something that we often take for granted, even though it’s a very important Catholic symbol.

As a sacramental, the holy water plays a huge role in several Catholic rites. It signifies repentance, rebirth, commitment, and devotion among other things. By virtue of Christ’s baptism, that water has become an instrument of God’s grace.

Remember that the priest is God’s representative. Therefore, the blessing rite he said over the water is made on behalf of God. In short, God’s blessing flows through that water making it holy.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿

There is no limit as to where you can use holy water. It’s after all a symbol of God’s grace. You can use it on almost anything, from protecting your family from evil to blessing everyday objects. Here are some of the most common uses of holy water.

1. Baptism

During baptism, the priest pours holy water over the person’s forehead. This signifies not just their acceptance of Jesus as their savior. It also confers the promises of baptism which includes renouncing Satan and disdaining sin.

2. Blessing Mass Goers

This is, perhaps, one use of holy water that all Catholics are familiar with. Aside from using it to make the sign of the cross before entering the church, the priest also bless mass goers before and after the mass.

3. Blessing the Sick

First of all, blessing the sick is different from the sacrament of anointing the sick. The latter is given to those who are at death’s door and uses a holy oil. When you bless the sick with holy water, it simply means that you are invoking God’s healing presence.

4. Exorcism

Holy water has traditionally been considered as a powerful weapon against evil. This is why priests use it to drive out demons during exorcism rites. St. Teresa of Avila even famously said:

"From long experience, I have discovered that there is nothing like holy water to put devils to flight and prevent them from returning again."

5. Cleansing of Sins

The holy water is a powerful symbol of repentance. When you dip your fingers in the holy water basin and using it to make the sign of the cross, it’s not just an empty gesture. It symbolizes our desire for God’s forgiveness and cleanse ourselves of sin.

The holy water used in baptism is also meant to cleanse us of the original sin that we are all born with.

6. Blessing Yourself

There’s no law that says you can’t sprinkle holy water on yourself. So go ahead and do it every day. You can keep one in a small spray bottle that you can carry with you wherever you go. After all, you can never have too much holy water.

7. Blessing Your Home

This is especially essential for new homes. As mentioned, holy water can drive out demons and whatever evil forces that may be lurking in your home. You can do it by yourself or ask a priest to do it for you.

8. Blessing Your Family

Aside from yourself, you can also sprinkle some holy water to your family members every day. You can do it in the morning before they head down to work/school or before they go to bed at night. It not only gives them spiritual protection but also strengthens your faith as a family.

9. Blessing Your Pets

If you sprinkle holy water on your family members, then it just makes sense that you give some to your pets too. All creatures deserve to receive God’s blessing and protection.

10. Blessing Your Workspace

Before starting your work, sprinkle some holy water in your workplace. There’s nothing better than starting your workday with a blessing from God. It’s also a way of sanctifying your work and offering it to God.

11. Blessing Religious Items

The church also conducts blessing rites for religious items like scapulars, rosaries and prayer booklets. It’s a way of honoring the things that are important to our faith.

12. Blessing Your Car

Just like your home, you also need to bless your car with holy water. Driving on the road can be unpredictable and accidents happen when you least expect it. It won’t hurt to have some degree of protection from harm’s way.

13. Blessing Your Garden

Since the middle ages, Catholics have been sprinkling their vegetable gardens with holy water. It’s a way of showing your hope and trust in God that He will bless your plants so it can bring sustenance to your family.

14. Blessing Wedding Rings

During weddings, the priest will bless the rings with holy water before they are exchanged by the bride and groom. This signifies asking for God’s divine grace to strengthen their marriage. The priest will also utter a simple prayer for the newlyweds while blessing the ring.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗼 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿

Obviously, you cannot make holy water on your own. It has to be consecrated by a priest. So you can only get holy water from church. Some churches give out small bottles of holy water to anyone who asks for it. Alternatively, you can take some water to the church and ask your priest to bless it. Any water will do.

To use the holy water, you can take out a small branch of whatever bush near you. Dip it in the water then sprinkle it all over your house, car, or anything you want to bless with holy water. Most holy water bottles, however, have sq**rt lids that allow you to sprinkle the water directly.

There’s no standard prayer to utter when sprinkling the holy water. But you can utter a simple prayer like:

“By this holy water and by Your Precious Blood, wash away all my sins, O Lord. Amen.”

Alternatively, you can make the sign of the cross and then pray the Lord’s Prayer or the St. Michael Prayer.

𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿

1. Sacramental Blessing

Holy water is blessed by a priest invoking God’s blessing upon it. This makes it a sacramental. A sacred object that carries spiritual benefits through the Church’s prayers.

2. Symbolic Purification

Holy water symbolizes spiritual cleansing and purification. It reminds believers of their baptism, the washing away of sin, and the entry into the Christian life.

3. Protection Against Evil

Holy water is believed to have the power to ward off evil influences. When used with faith, it is seen as protection against spiritual harm and temptation.

4. Sacramental Grace

With prayer and faith, the use of holy water can bring about spiritual graces and blessings. It is said to help strengthen one’s relationship with God and assist in spiritual growth.

5. Blessing Objects and Spaces

Holy water is used to bless objects, such as rosaries, medals, and religious articles. This is to sanctify them for religious use. It also blesses homes and other spaces, seeking God’s presence and protection.