Instead of performing the normal Penitential Rite, a priest can choose to sprinkle his congregation at Mass with water.
This may seem strange to some, but it is a practice that has a rich symbolism.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal highlights this option, especially during the Easter season.
This is revealed even more directly in the blessing of water that can take place before the priest sprinkles everyone at Mass.
Water has rich symbolism, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains.
The sprinkling rite, besides recalling our baptism, could also be connected with Jesus' actions at the Last Supper. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples before celebrating the first Eucharist, performing an act of ritual cleansing before the feast.
It is a beautiful option that priest's can choose at Mass and has rich symbolism that brings us deeper into the Paschal mystery.
