The rite of sprinkling, also called the Asperges rite, describes the act of sprinkling the congregation with holy water, an action which recalls the new life we received in the waters of our baptism.

If this rite is performed during Mass, it takes the place of the penitential act.

The sprinkling rite usually takes place on Sundays during the Easter season but is permitted on any Sunday. When it is completed, the congregation sings the Gloria.

The name “asperges” comes from the first line of Psalm 51, a penitential psalm that begins with the words “Have mercy on me.” In the Extraordinary Form of the Mass, the Asperges rite is done before each principal Mass, except on Palm Sunday.

The tool used by the priest to sprinkle the congregation is called the aspergillum, and the bucket containing the water is called the aspersorium.

©LPi