This information is taken from a pamphlet written by Fr. Hampsch. And the
Web site
Blessed Salt - A Powerful Sacramental. You can
obtain the entire pamphlet, tapes, and books by contacting his ministry at
Claretian Tape Ministry, P.O. Box 19100, Los Angeles, CA 90019
There are many web pages with very good information on the origins and uses
and blessings its use.
We are including a FREE small bag of Blessed Salt
with
most donations and orders.
Your parish Priest can help you with
this also.
We buy in bulk and ask our, very
patient, parish Priest to
bless this salt as our gift and
THANKS to you!
More information on
blessed salt:
Fish eaters web site on
blessed salt.
CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA:
Salt
La Salette Journey: Why Blessed Salt?
ABOUT BLESSED SALT - Catholic Mothers web
site
Blessed salt is an instrument of grace to preserve one from the corruption
of evil occurring as sin, sickness, demonic influence, etc.
As in the case of all sacramental's, its power comes not from the sign
itself, but by means of the Church's official (liturgical, not private)
prayer of blessing -- a power the Church derives from Christ Himself. (see
Matt. 16:19 and 18:18). As the Vatican II document on the Liturgy states,
both Sacraments and sacramental's sanctify us, not of themselves, but by
power flowing from the redemptive act of Jesus, elicited by the Church's
intercession to be directed through those external signs and elements. Hence
sacramental's like blessed salt, holy water, medals, etc., are not to be
used superstitiously as having self-contained power, but as 'focus points'
funneling one's faith toward Jesus, just as a flag is used as a focus point
of patriotism, or as handkerchiefs were used to focus faith for healing and
deliverance (Acts 19:12).
Thus, used non-superstitiously, modest amounts of blessed salt may be
sprinkled in one's bedroom, or across thresholds to prevent burglary, in
cars for safety, etc. A few grains of blessed salt in drinking water or used
in cooking or as food seasoning often bring astonishing spiritual and
physical benefits. As with the use of Sacraments, much depends on the faith
and devotion of the person using salt or any sacramental. This faith must be
Jesus-centered, as was the faith of the blind man in John 9; he had faith in
Jesus, not in the mud and spittle used by Jesus to heal him.
Blessed salt is not a new sacramental, but the Holy Spirit seems to be
leading many to a new interest in its remarkable power as an instrument of
grace and healing. Any amount of salt may be presented to a priest for his
blessing using the following official prayer from the Roman Ritual:
"Almighty God, we ask you to bless this salt, as
once you blessed the salt scattered over the water by the prophet Elisha.
Wherever this salt (and water) is sprinkled, drive away the power of evil,
and protect us always by the presence of your Holy Spirit. Grant this
through Christ our Lord. Amen"