blessing on those who use it, and protection from the powers of
darkness.

Q. 1072. How does the water blessed on Holy Saturday, or Easter Water,
as it is called, differ from the holy water blessed at other times?
A. The water blessed on Holy Saturday, or Easter Water, as it is called,
differs from the holy water blessed at other times in this, that the
Easter water is blessed with greater solemnity, the paschal candle,
which represents Our Lord risen from the dead, having been dipped into
it with a special prayer.

Q. 1073. Is water ever blessed in honor of certain saints?
A. Water is sometimes blessed in honor of certain saints and for special
purposes. The form of prayer to be used in such blessings is found in
the Roman Ritual--the book containing prayers and ceremonies for the
administration of the Sacraments and of blessings authorized by the
Church.

Q. 1074. {302} Are there other sacramentals besides the sign of the
cross and holy water?
A. Beside the sign of the cross and holy water there are many other
sacramentals, such as blessed candles, ashes, palms, crucifixes, images
of the Blessed Virgin and of the saints, rosaries, and scapulars.

Q. 1075. When are candles blessed in the Church and why are they used?
A. Candles are blessed in the Church on the feast of the Purification of
the Blessed Virgin--February 2nd. They are used chiefly to illuminate
and ornament our altars, as a mark of reverence for the presence of Our
Lord and of joy at His coming.

Q. 1076. What praiseworthy custom is now in use in many places?
A. A praiseworthy custom now in use in many places is the offering by
the faithful on the feast of the Purification of candles for the use of
the altar during the year. It is pleasing to think we have candles
burning in our name on the altar of God, and if the Jewish people yearly
made offerings to their temple, faithful Christians should not neglect
their altars and churches where God Himself dwells.

Q. 1077. When are ashes blessed in the Church and why are they used?
A. Ashes are blessed in the Church on Ash Wednesday. They are used to
keep us in mind of our humble origin, and of how the body of Adam, our
forefather, was formed out of the slime or clay of the earth; also to
remind us of death, when our bodies will return to dust, and of the
necessity of doing penance for our sins. These ashes are obtained by
burning the blessed palms of the previous year.

Q. 1078. When are palms blessed a