Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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ASPERGES

The first word in the Latin of the Psalm "Thou shall sprinkle me with hyssop" gave its name to the ceremony of sprinkling the people with holy water before the principal Mass on Sunday. During the paschal season the "Asperges" is replaced by the hymn "Vidi Aquam." (Etym. Latin asperges, thou wilt sprinkle; from aspergere, to sprinkle.)