In light of recent changes to COVID-19 guidance from the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, we will be reintroducing holy water to the stoups at the entrance to the Cathedral.

The faithful are encouraged to resume the practice of making the Sign of the Cross with holy water on entering the church. Holy water will also be available for collection in larger quantities from our holy water urn in the Lady Chapel.

Holy water is water that has been blessed by the prayers of a priest, and serves as a sacramental - something the Church gives us which, when used with prayer, can help us in various ways:

  • we can use holy water to bless ourselves by putting some on our fingers as we make the Sign of the Cross;
  • we can use holy water to bless our home by sprinkling it while praying for God's blessing and protection;
  • we can use holy water to fight off the attacks of evil forces - if we feel in danger or scared, we can sprinkle holy water while asking God for His protection.