Q. 1069. {299} How does the sign of the cross express the mystery of the Incarnation and death of our Lord?  A. The sign of the cross expresses the mystery of the Incarnation by reminding us that the Son of God, having become man, suffered death on the cross.

Q. 1070. {300} What other sacramental is in very frequent use?  A. Another sacramental in very frequent use is holy water.

Q. 1071. {301} What is holy water?  A. Holy water is water blessed by the priest with solemn prayer to beg God’s 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.